African Arts Gallery

Bambara Mask (N° 24037)

This African mask of the ntomo, an initiatory society of uncircumcised young people widespread in the Niger River region, is considered a male mask, given its six horns.
Most of these masks are coated with a calcined charcoal powder. This mask mainly appears in the harvest season. This piece is particularly distinguished by its animal crest associated with the mythical antelope ci wara and its cowrie inlays. Dark oiled, matte patina.
Minimal abrasions and cracks.
Established in central and southern Mali, in a savannah zone, the Bambara, "Bamana" or "unbelievers", as the Muslims have named them, belong to the large Mande group, with the Soninke and the Malinke. Mainly farmers, but also breeders, they make up the largest ethnic group in Mali. Animists, they believe in the existence of a god requires the gestation of a child. Ngala maintains order in the universe. His existence coexists with another androgynous god called Faro, who gave all the qualities to men and who makes the fruits of the earth grow. Groups of nyamakala artisans, more specifically blacksmiths named numu, are in charge of sculpting ritual objects, endowed with nyama, occult energy. Using fire and magic items, they are further assigned the role of healer and diviner. Their powers are transmitted to their wives, who alone have the right to produce the pottery.