Chiwara (Female)

Left

Right Side

Base cap

Male and Female Chiwara

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Collection

African Art Collection

Description

The antelope mask is denoted by the presence of a baby and strait horns. The male and female spirits are distinctively different but always appear as a pair, combining the elements of fertility of humans and the fertility of the earth. The female antelope figure, traditionally worn by men, always carries a baby on its back and is said to represent the fertility of the people and of the earth. The carving is traditionally worn by a male farmer. The basket helmet and stained raffia remains attached to this Chiwara.  The carving shows signs of use and is in excellent condition.  

Artists/Makers

The Bambara (Bamana) Mali Read Biography

The Bambara (Bamana)

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GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Mali, Bambara (Bamana). The Bambara are a Mande ethnic group native to Mali, Guinea and Senegal. There are also sizable concentrations of the Bambara tribal group in current day Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Niger. Islam is the most common religion among the Bambara. The Bambara are commonly viewed as the most dominant cultural community in West Africa. The people are known for their agriculture, carving, music, and leather work. The culture is recognized for its strong secret societies that once imposed social controls among its ancient communities.

Student Work

No

Culture

Bambara (bamana)

Geography

Mali

Medium

Stained Wood, wicker basket, cotton cloth and stained raffia

Classification

Headdress

Accession Number

2022.01.027

Donated By

Reginald and Celeste Hodges

Donation Date

May 2022