Bamana Kono Mask, Mali

Giancarlo Sangregorio, Milan, acquired in 1964
Leonardo Vigorelli, Milan, acquired from the above
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2006

Galleria Dalton - Somare, Parcours des Mondes, Paris, September 13 - 17, 2006

Good condition overall; proper right and left rim of helmet part missing (insect damage), areas of abrasion, wear and tear as seen on photographs; fine crusty medium brown and blackish layered patina with losses and fills including the tips and outside rims of both ears, the outside edge of the two underlying hornlike elements (parallel to the ears), the front rim of the nose (five coin-sized areas) and some areas of the forehead, the proper right edge of the mouth and on the reverse the proper right rim of the helmet part.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Bamana kono is a powerful and highly seclusive secret society distinct from the same people's komo society. Kono is a spirit in control of wild beasts and mythical bush spirits. It is a dangerous, omnipotent force that resolves conflicts, keeps social order and must be placated through ritual and performance.

Kono masks are commonly polymorphous and merge the features of different powerful spirits or forces of nature – in the case of the offered lot probably the hyena (long ears) and the elephant (wisdom and intelligence) – whom the priests must influence favourably (Colleyn 2002: 186). According to Colleyn (2009: 68), "for the Bamana, the kono is a 'devouring wild beast' but at least they know perfectly well that it is completely vain to attempt to clearly define a power whose very strength lies in its ability to take on multiple forms, to endlessly deform and reform itself." The deep crust of sacrificial patina, coated with a fine layer of black powder consisting of burnt plants and magical substances, gives testament to the spiritual power with which masks of this type have been vested.

The offered lot was acquired by the Italian sculptor Giancarlo Sangregorio during a trip to Western Africa together with his friend Beniamino Levi in 1964.

For another Bamana kono mask of similar iconography see Sotheby's Paris, December 3, 2009, lot 58 and front cover.