An important ancient Warakun mask, a zoomorphic cult mask from the Kòmò society. The Kòmò is a male association that manages and covers many aspects of male life in Bambara country, and more broadly in Mande country, from circumcision to death rites, marriage and many other aspects. This ancient mask embodies the strengths and talents of several animals, represented here in a fused form. This type of Warakun mask, after a long period of successful dancing, became a cult object, an altar object called Boli with a thick sacrificial patina, considered a living being, implying that it had to be fed, and the offerings and sacrifices dedicated to it implied that it really was. See: for the Kòmò, pp. 174-183 in Bamana, Colleyn, 2009, and for the Boli, see Boli, Colleyn & Levy, 2009. Bamana, Mali Wood, horns, irons and wrought-iron bracelet, plant fibers, limestone mineral plaster (breakage), visible missing parts (old accidents), extensive old sacrificial patina from use. H. 88 cm Provenance : Pierre Vérité, Paris Private collection, Paris, acquired ca. 1950 Renaud Vanuxem, Paris Collection Jean-Claude and Christine L'Herbette, Paris Publications and exhibitions: Vanuxem, Time Bless Art, 2004: n° 28 Goy, Arts Anciens du Mali, 2007, pp. 140-141 Giquello, Arts d'Afrique, June 19, 2023, no. 7