Masked performer with zantegeba (baboon) mask, Bamako (national district), Mali

"Literally translated, zantegeba means 'he with the large paws.' This mask, representing the baboon or sometimes the lion, is often polychromed, but in some villages it is black or brown in color. The performer moves about in a stooped-over position, leaning forward on two wooden legs about 60 cm. high. In some villages, the zantegeba is also called n'gongoro koun or gongoro koun, meaning 'old baboon head,' or simply gon koun, 'baboon head.' The baboon is viewed with considerable dislike by most people because of the havoc it causes in their fields." [by Pascal James Imperato, 1980: Bambara and Malinke Ton Masquerades. African Arts © 1980 Regents of the University of California Published by UCLA James S. Coleman African Studies Center] . This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.