Koma su face mask

19th–mid-20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341

This monumental mask’s human face recedes beneath layers of sacrificial matter and a crown of antelope horns packed with protective substances. Intended to inspire awe, it was the creation of Koma, a powerful initiation society to which all Mande-speaking Mau men once belonged. Koma combats witchcraft and other supernatural causes of social, moral, or physical disease. In performance, this intimidating presence rapidly encircled the village, using a "voice" of discordant instruments to disorient the audience of initiates and adolescent trainees. Due to its weight, the mask would be supported from below by its forked handle rather than worn directly on the body. Called koma su and understood as hyena-like, the mask was contrasted with its foil, the alluring koma ba, considered the great mother of all Koma masks.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Koma su face mask
Artist: Mau artist(s) and ritual specialist(s)
Date: 19th–mid-20th century
Geography: Northwestern Côte d'Ivoire
Culture: Mau peoples
Medium: Wood, clay, vulture(?) feathers, horn, cotton, vegetable fiber, applied organic materials
Dimensions: H. 39 × W. 15 × D. 10 in. (99.1 × 38.1 × 25.4 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1962
Object Number: 1978.412.466
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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