"In the Bamana world, objects such the antelope headdress always come in pairs -one male and one female- symbolizing the union of mythical half-animal, half-human beings that taught their ancestors to farm, and the productive union of men and women throughout time." [Wooten S., 2004: Where is my Mate? The Importance of Complementarity: A Bamana Headdress (Ciwara). See the Music, Hear the Dance, Prestel]. During his trip to Mali, Elisofon visited the village of Bougouni, in the Bamana region. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.
Local Numbers:
EENG-III-3, 32.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "E 1 Bmb. Bambara. Mali, Bougouni. Man holding antelope headdress used in acrobatic dance. 7/1970. EE. neg.no. III-3, 32." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
