West Africa, Mali, Bandiagara region, Bamana people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fascinating wooden n'tomo mask depicting a pointed and angular face, hand-carved from a single piece of wood, with a pronged headdress. The visage is stylized with a jutting, ridged nose, and drilled square eye holes. A sizable, 6-pronged headdress rises from the top to symbolize the female gender of the mask. The surface of the wood is a pretty hue of nut-brown that has become richer with age. Annular drill holes flank the vizard, allowing it to be strapped to one's face when worn. Size: 9" W x 28" H (22.9 cm x 71.1 cm)
Bamana people have six societies for men, and this mask is representative of the Ntomo, a society for boys before circumcision. They would dance with such masks during their initiation rituals, marking their transition from boys to men. The pronged headdress represents the seeds of creation from the god which created the universe. Interestingly, the number of prongs indicates the gender of the mask with an even number representing a female and an odd number denoting a male.
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-private Houston, Texas, USA, collection, acquired before 2000
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#167332
Condition
Collection label on verso. Stable pressure fissures to bottom and top of verso. Expected surface wear with nicks, scratches, and abrasions, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina throughout.