African ‘Ci Wara’ Male Antelope Wood Carved Ceremonial, Tribal Art Headdress of the Bamana Peoples of Mali

Description

African ‘Ci Wara’ Male Antelope Wood Carved Ceremonial, Tribal Art Headdress of the Bamana Peoples of Mali. “Ci wara” headdresses … more African ‘Ci Wara’ Male Antelope Wood Carved Ceremonial, Tribal Art Headdress of the Bamana Peoples of Mali. “Ci wara” headdresses from Mali are among the most widely known and admired of all African art forms and their characteristic elegant abstraction is valued both in Bamana society and the West. The term "ci wara" encompasses several distinct but related performative genres. Among the Bamana, the invention of agriculture and the understanding of earth, animals, and plants were at one time attributed to a mythical culture hero named Ci Wara. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, this knowledge was shared among members of a men's agricultural association, also called "ci wara". Ceremonial dances performed by "ci wara" members celebrate the skills of successful farmers as well as the benevolence of Ci Wara's gift of agriculture to humanity. The outstanding feature of "ci wara" dances was the performance of a pair of gracefully designed, sculpted headdresses in the form of antelopes. (Reference: The Met Museum)

This piece depicts a male antelope with two long curved horns the tips of which are covered, presumably in leather or bark fiber. The ornate openwork carving represents the mane and neck of the antelope. Its body is covered with incised decoration, and a brown patina. As shown in the staged photograph, African sculpture, such as this piece, will make a statement in any décor be it Mid-Century, Eclectic, Boho, Minimalism, Contemporary, Wabi Sabi or Coastal Modern Design.

Dimensions:
14” W x 3.5” D x 39.5” H

In very good vintage condition considering age and history. Zoom in on photos to see any imperfections including some lighter spots on the wood and a few small nicks in the wood. less