Shrine object in the form of a mask, Bamana; Mali
Wood, clay, sacrificial materials, fiber; L. 28"
Under the leadership of a blacksmith,
the Komo religious association protects against
sorcery and malicious beings. This object is made
up of accumulated materials such as clay mixed with
the blood of chicken or goats, chewed and expectorated
kola nuts, alcoholic beverages, and millet that
are now dry but were once wet and glistening. Women
and non-members were forbidden to observe it.
G. Deiterlen has published the following:
"Eyes of the mask are large,
so that Komo may see and unveil everything. Nostrils
are well opened for he must sniff everything, smell
good and bad of things. Mouth is twisted for the
Komo does not talk, he only whistles and
sings. Ears are vast so he may hear everything,
even what one says secretly in his heart. Chin is
square, a sign of purity, decision, and clairvoyance"
(1961:230).
