This superb mask has always been considered to represent the black monkey, but when compared to another fine old crusty mask in the Musée de l'Homme, with large rectangular eyes (Leiris and Delange (1967, p.270, and Elisofon and Fagg, 1958, p.37, fig.20), the jaw is shorter and more rounded than in our mask. The drawing by Griaule (1963, p.508, fig.127) of a crocodile mask from Ibi/Damma shows a monkey-like mask, but with a long tapered jaw: see also Bastin (1984, p.64, fig.9)

The mask was purchased from Dionkassy, a dealer in Bamako who possessed the fine maternity figure which was acquired by Samir Borro after the death of the former (see Brussels, 1977 (Spring), p.38, no.7, and Kerchache, Paudrat and Stéphan, 1988, Pl. 18). Dionkassy was told it came from the area near Sanga on the Bandiagara escarpment