H x W x D: 34.3 x 53.3 x 7.6 cm (13 1/2 x 21 x 3 in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Mali
Date:
Mid 20th century
Label Text:
In Africa, animal imagery is used to teach moral and historical lessons. Distinctive physical or behavioral traits may be combined to create mythical creatures with greater powers. These Bamana crest masks combine the horns of the antelope, the body of the aardvark and the textured skin of the pangolin-all animals that dig in the earth. Despite regional stylistic differences, they all represent Chi Wara, the supernatural being who taught people to farm.
Young men wear paired male and female masks in dances that praise and encourage good farmers. However, because of the introduction of the yoked plow, conversion to Islam and changes in patterns of employment and schooling, the performances have become increasingly more of a popular entertainment than an initiation society ceremony.
Description:
Wood horizontal crest mask in the form of an antelope, head and body carved seperately and joined with metal band. Head has open jaws, one pair of horns curves foreward from top of head, one set flows over the back. Long ears parallel back horns and are pierced with red fiber. Body has bent legs and is on a rectangular base. Tapering tail is held low. Horns carved in spiral pattern, head and body rows of chip carving. Overall dark brown color.
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