The Kònò helmet mask belongs to the art of the Bamana (Bambara) groupe of Mali. This wooden mask with sacrificial patina is a representation of the power and knowledge maintained by the Kònò association, one of the most revered power associations in West Africa. According to Bamana’s belief the mask embodies the wild spirit of the animal it represents (it could be hyena or elephant) but cannot be reduced to it. Rather, it is a polymorphous entity that takes on various forms and is constantly changing.