Mask "ntomo" with stylised female figure ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3051776

Description

wood, old collection label “144”, rest.

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 object Mask “ntomo” with stylised female figure with the object ID 3051776 was part of the auction Auction 104 on April 12, 2025. The object with the lot number 236 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,000 with an asking price of EUR 1,200.

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