Komo mask. Bambara ethnic group, Mali, 19th or early 20th century

Komo mask. Bambara ethnic group, Mali, 19th or early 20th century.
Wood, horns, rope, sacrificial inlay, textile.
Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Measurements: 57,5 x 50 cm (total).

The Komo mask is a traditional piece of the Bambara culture of Mali, one of the most prominent ethnic groups in West Africa. The Bambara are known for their art, especially for their ceremonial masks that are used in rituals and festivities, and the Komo mask is one of the most important in their repertoire. Komo masks are made of carved wood, although they incorporate additional elements such as plant fiber and antlers. Their shape suggests an animal or a force of nature. They show zoomorphic faces with exaggerated features, such as large eyes, beaks or prominent mouths. The design seeks to evoke a connection between humans and supernatural beings. Symbolic details such as horns suggest a relationship with power, wisdom and protection.

The Komo mask is used in the ceremonies of the Komo Society, a religious and political organization that plays a central role in the social and religious life of the Bambara. It is responsible for the transmission of secret knowledge and is in charge of regulating traditions and social norms within the community. The use of the mask is associated with ancestral wisdom and the transmission of spiritual power.