African Arts Gallery

Bamana crest (N° 22193)

The fifth initiatory society Bambara, Bamana, is called tyiwara (here, to cultivate, wara, beast) and is still practiced today in some towns. The crest masks evoking the antelope, oryx or antelope dage depending on the case, are available vertically and horizontally. Presenting themselves to the public in pairs, male and female, the wearers of the masks adopt a symbolic choreography related to agriculture. Belonging to the regional Goso kun type, emanating from the Bamako region, this horizontal crest is dotted with triangular incisions, patterns and hatching evoking the animal's coat. Its tapering ears are perforated at regular intervals. Dark matte patina, abrasions and long desication crack.
Worn at the top of the skull and held in place by a kind of small basket, these crests accompanied the dancers during the rituals of the tòn, an association dedicated to agricultural work.