A Bamana Mask, "n'tomo" (?) Mask, "n'tomo" (?) Bamana/Mande/Malinke, Mali Ohne Sockel / without base Wood, sheet metal. H 61.5 cm. Provenance: - Marcel Roux (1909-1993), Paris. - Heirs of Marcel Roux, French-speaking Switzerland. Taking into account local differences and being aware of the changes over time, the traditional socio-religious order of Bamana society can be divided into successive secret societies (jow), in which members were given access to the rules and knowledge of the tribe through initiation according to their age or maturity. Each of these societies had its own, clearly differentiated mask system. Ntomo A primary school-like seven-year cycle for girls and boys from the age of about seven, divided into classes (lions, toads, birds, guinea fowls and dogs). Ntomo masks appeared during the dry season as the initiates migrated from village to village and had as a common feature the vertical structure above an anthropomorphic face, the number of horns of which indicated the gender of the mask. The relatively inconspicuous mouth indicates the most important teaching of Ntomo, the control of the word and the value of silence. Korè Korè was the continuation of Ntomo and marked the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The 14-21 year old novices underwent a ritual death and subsequent resurrection. They were taught in classes (lions, hyenas and monkeys) in the bush camp, e.g. in matters of faith, medicine, sexuality, life cycles or hunting. Korè masks represented the symbolic animals of each class and appeared annually at the end of the dry season and at funerals. Jo An initiatory compound more common in the southern region, similar to Ntomo and Korè, which was also open to young women. The initiates would travel to the surrounding areas and perform the songs and dances they had learned, with some of these groups including female figures carved from wood (jo nyeleni). After this initial training with a more educational purpose, the Bamana were free to complete further initiations in male or female groups, such as komò, kònò, ci-wara and many more, all of which perform specific tasks within Bamana society. Further reading: Colleyn, Jean-Paul (2001). Bamana, African Art from Mali. Zurich: Museum Rietberg. -------------------------------------------- Marcel Roux (1909 - 1993) Marcel Roux is known for his significant contributions to early 20th century architecture in France, particularly in the field of social housing and the modernization of urban structures. Roux studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and later worked closely with renowned architects such as Le Corbusier. He was strongly influenced by modernism and the principles of functionalism, which is reflected in his clear, rational designs. His work encompassed both public and private projects, placing great emphasis on improving the quality of life through architectural solutions. His interest in form and design and the associated passion for art in general led to a remarkable collection of African figures and masks as well as numerous friendships with well-known collectors and art dealers such as Charles Ratton. CHF 2 000 / 3 000 Weight in grams: 1212 Condition: Various restored breakages, e.g. on the horns and lateral prongs. Horizontal forehead decoration (mace band) missing. Repatinated in places. Various restored breakages, e.g. on the horns and lateral prongs. Horizontal forehead decoration (mace band) missing. Repatinated in places. -------------------------------- The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Please feel free to contact Hammer Auktionen for all questions you might have regarding this lot ([email protected]). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Hammer Auktionen is here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Hammer Auktionen within 5 days of receiving the item. -------------------------------- The condition (possible wear, signs of use, cracks, possible other damage and signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. For all questions regarding this object, please contact Hamme

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African and Oceanic Art from the Collections of

Jean-Louis Rinsoz, Marcel Roux, Pierre Vérité, Henri Kamer, Paul Berger-Frei, Gérald and Muriel Minkoff, Charles-Edouard Duflon,

Thierry Santos, Hans und Carla Baumann, René Rickli, Alfons J. Keller, Edwin Bentley Savage, Edith Mbella, Mama Mecano,

Galerie Alain Bovis, Galerie Alain Naoum, Galerie Tribal Art Classics, Galerie Alain Lecomte, Galerie Walu

All items are guaranteed to be as described or your MONEY BACK.

A "Confirmation of Provenance" and a "Right to Dispose" as well as all mentioned certificates will accompany each artwork.

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Hammer Auktionen