Anthropo-zoomorphic face mask "ntomo"

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Description

wood, traces of old age, insect caused damage, base

“Ntomo” is an initiation community for children and is usually understood as a preparatory phase for the “korè” covenant. The “ntomo” is initiated at the beginning of the harvest season in November. In the dry season that follows, the novices wander around the neighbouring villages begging for alms and food. The mask of the “ntomo” often appears.

The inconspicuous mouth part emphasises the central teaching of “ntomo”, namely the control of the word and the value of silence.

The main feature of the mask are its horns. According to Colleyn, this indicates its gender: male (3-6), female (4-8). According to other sources, the number of horns symbolizes levels of increased knowledge.

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Comparing literature

Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 95 f.

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