Cimier Ti Wara (Bambara)
or Ci Wara used during agrarian rituals, it presents a female antelope surmounted by her offspring and personifies dynamic stylized and balanced forms.
This crest symbolizes a hippotrague antelope, whose name "Ci Wara" means fawn of the earth. They were worn as a crest above the head by the initiated members of the Ton society. During these dances, they walked through the field, leaping and stomping vigorously on the earth to chase away the evil spirits and thus hope to obtain abundant harvests.
Hardwood, old honey-brown patina, thick in places, marks of use
Bambara, Mali, first half of the 20th century
90x28cm