Bamana Chiwara Carved Wood Headdress
A Bamana Chiwara headdress. This traditional ritual piece presents a large and small antelope stacked, carved with simplified forms, elegantly curved necks and tall antlers. Each animal is decorated with intricate geometric patterns, and the larger features a metal face-mask and accents. The piece is mounted on a basket-like woven cap, and there are no apparent maker’s marks.
In Bamana culture, headdresses such as these honor the mythical being named Ci Wara, who is credited with introducing agriculture. According to legend, when humans became wasteful, Ci Wara buried himself underground. Headdresses and other objects are carved to represent Ci Wara and provide vessels for his spirit.
Condition
Good
- dust present throughout piece; slight wear to edges of antelopes; tops of antlers worn; loss of finish to some areas of wood. Dimensions
8.5" W x 38.5" H x 7.0" D
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A Bamana Chiwara headdress. This traditional ritual piece presents a large and small antelope stacked, carved with simplified forms, elegantly curved necks and tall antlers. Each animal is decorated with intricate geometric patterns, and the larger features a metal face-mask and accents. The piece is mounted on a basket-like woven cap, and there are no apparent maker’s marks.
In Bamana culture, headdresses such as these honor the mythical being named Ci Wara, who is credited with introducing agriculture. According to legend, when humans became wasteful, Ci Wara buried himself underground. Headdresses and other objects are carved to represent Ci Wara and provide vessels for his spirit.
Condition
Good
- dust present throughout piece; slight wear to edges of antelopes; tops of antlers worn; loss of finish to some areas of wood. Dimensions
8.5" W x 38.5" H x 7.0" D
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Time
Auction House
