Bambara Chiwara Headdress

Item Details

Bambara, Mali, West Africa
Chiwara Headdress
Wood, metal, fiber
Unsigned

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

- one antler is cracked at base; soil and scuffs to wood.

Dimensions

Item #

18BOS300-020