Anthropomorphic face mask "ntomo" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3048276

Name: Anthropomorphic face mask "ntomo"
SKU: 3048276
Availability: Discontinued

not available anymore

Provenance

French Collection

Size

H: 58 cm

H: 22.8 inch

Description

wood, remains of an old collection label

The social and spiritual life of the Bamana men is governed by six initiation societies (“dyow”). The “ntomo” is the first of these communities in many places.

The apprenticeship period of the “ntomo” comprises five years. During this time, uncircumcised boys are to be prepared for adulthood, taught rules of conduct, discipline and agricultural skills.

The “ntomo” mask appears to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. It often appears in the dry season when the novices wander around the surrounding villages begging for alms and food.

The main feature of the “ntomo” mask are its horns, the number of which indicate its gender (in this case female). The horns are sometimes combined with a figure. The dancer carries a rod, which is said to have been used for the ritual flagellation of the boys.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask “ntomo” with the object ID 3048276 was last part of the auction 97th Auction at November 6, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 133.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.