Antelope dance crest "tjiwara" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3036608

Description

wood, partly shiny, dark brown patina, rising from a rectangular base with four holes for attachment, vertical (male) type, the elegant swing of the neck repeated by the mane which is arranged in three bows, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the religious and social life of the Bamana people was determined by six initiation communities. Each level of initiation was represented by a special mask type. The “tijwara” headdress belongs to the fifth level. Its members had to encourage a good harvest by celebrating their masquerades.The masks used to appear in pairs male-female, symbolizing the sun and the earth and their meaning for human life.

Comparing literature

Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 200, ill. 185