15 - Mask, "Ntomo"

Mask, "Ntomo" Bamana. Mali Without base Wood, textile. H 40 cm. Provenance: - Rolf Hans (1938–1996), Basel. - Estate of Rolf Hans, Basel. Rolf Hans (1938–1996), born in Frankfurt am Main, was a German painter, photographer, and musician who lived and worked in Basel beginning in 1963. In addition to his abstract paintings and object-based works, he maintained close ties to the international art and music scenes, particularly with composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, and György Kurtág. -------------------------------- Taking local differences into account and recognizing changes over time, the traditional socio-religious order of Bamana society can be divided into successive secret societies (jow), in which members gained access to the tribe’s rules and knowledge through initiation, based on their age or maturity. Each of these societies had its own distinct mask tradition. Ntomo A seven-year cycle, similar to elementary school, for girls and boys aged approximately seven and older, divided into classes (lions, toads, birds, guinea fowl, and dogs). Ntomo masks appeared during the dry season as the initiates traveled from village to village; a common feature was their vertical structure above an anthropomorphic face, with the number of horns indicating the mask’s gender. The relatively inconspicuous mouth points to the most important teaching of the Ntomo: control of speech and the value of silence. Korè Korè was the continuation of the Ntomo and marked the transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this rite, novices aged approximately 14–21 underwent a ritual death followed by resurrection. Divided into classes (lions, hyenas, and monkeys), they were taught in the bush camp about topics such as matters of faith, medicine, sexuality, life cycles, and hunting. Korè masks depicted the symbolic animals of each class and were displayed annually at the end of the dry season as well as at funerals. Jo An initiation society found primarily in the southern region, similar to the Ntomo and Korè, which was also open to young women. The initiates set out on a pilgrimage to the surrounding areas and performed the songs and dances they had learned there; some of these groups incorporated female figures carved from wood (jo nyeleni) into the proceedings. After this initial training, which served a primarily educational purpose, the Bamana were free to undergo further initiations into men’s or women’s societies, such as komò, kònò, ci-wara, and many others, all of which fulfill specific roles within Bamana society. Further Reading: Colleyn, Jean-Paul (2001). Bamana: African Art from Mali. Zurich: Museum Rietberg. CHF 200 / 400 Weight in grams: 400 Condition: Missing sections on the forehead; a hole in the right cheek filled with foreign material. -------------------------------- Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to convey as comprehensive an impression as possible of its condition. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or wear-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.