Sculpted by the blacksmith numu, also playing the role of diviner and healer, this vertical, stylized crest is represented here with the successive arches representing the mane of a male antelope. It would be an animal - genie called Ciwara who would have taught the Bambara to cultivate the land. The Bambara remember the myth through the stylized representation of a hippotrague antelope, whose name ci wara means "earth tiger". Wear on the top of the skull and held in place by a basketry toque, these crests accompanied the dancers during the rituals of tòn , an association dedicated to agricultural work. The masks ran across the field, leaping up and down to chase away the evil scents of the nyama and to detect any danger, or to flush out the evil geniuses who could ravish the souls of the cultivated plants and the life force of their seeds.
Sold This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
You could also be interested by these items
If your offer is accepted, the item will be ordered on your behalf automaticaly. By making offer, you accept the selling conditions.
You must login to make an offer Log in