Bamana or Maninka Helmet Mask, Mali

Misikun.

Emil Storrer, Zurich
Julius and Josefa Carlebach, New York (inv. no. "28031"), acquired from the above in September 1961
Zafrira and Itzhak Shoher, Tel Aviv, acquired from the above

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Tips of horns restored. Crack at base of proper right horn broken and glued with fill. Minor hairline age cracks at top of dome of helmet, visible inside and with one visible at the back of the outside. Scuffs, marks, nicks, abrasions, and wear throughout consistent with age and use. Minor hairline crack around proper right ear. Exceptionally fine aged glossy dark brown patina. Rectangular Carlebach Gallery label inside with handwritten number "28031" in blue pen.
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.

For a closely related domed, horned, faceted helmet mask in the Musée Dapper, Paris, see Falgayrettes-Leveau (1995: 60). Another closely related mask, also previously owned by the Carlebachs, is in the Menil Collection in Houston (inv. no. "X 0039"). Describing that example, Malé (in Van Dyke 2008: 62) notes: "In the context of initiation, its role is evoked by the phrase ba kara misi; according to Youssouf Tata Cissé, quoted in Tal Tamari (2001: 101-102), 'this designation is composed of ba (mother, basis) and kara (perfect circle, creation spirit, divine spirit); one could translate this expression as foundational circles symbolizing the divine spirit [...]. Accordingly, the various elements of the misikun mask seek this formal perfection."

He continues: "The misikun mask is attached to a wearable marionette in an ensemble worn by two performers. [...] When it appears on the scene, the misiba [cow] walks around the area with a serene, graceful gait, and then stops in the middle of the village.  During this promenade the shepherd raises and lowers the stick like a rider encouraging his steed.  When the marionette stops moving, the young women intone the popular song "Misiba", composed in honor of generous men.  The misiba symbolizes generosity among the Bamana and Maninka. [...] The performance teaches the duty of protecting those who are generous.  Whereas the mask represents simply a bovid, the marionette evokes a more specific contribution of ploughing cattle to the local agriculture production; through other songs, tribute is paid to their labor."