Chiwara Dance Crest

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Collection

African Art Collection

Description

Chiwara dance crests are very popular objects of African art. They are carved from a single piece of wood. This highly abstract art form depicts an antelope on the back of an unknown animal. The two bodies form a single fantasy figure. During performance the mask is attached to a wicker basket that is worn on the performers head. The chiwara has minor damage do due to use. The headdress is in good 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

Classification

Headdress

Accession Number

2022.01.028

Accession Date

May 2022

Donated By

Reginald and Celeste Hodges

Donation Date

May 2022