Vintage African Mali Bambana Tribal Mask

Description

From the estate of a world traveler, this is one of several masks in the collection. In central and southern … more From the estate of a world traveler, this is one of several masks in the collection. In central and southern Mali, in an area of savannah, the Bambara "Bamana" or "unbelievers", as the Muslims called them, belong to the large Mande group, with the Soninke and the Malinke. Mostly farmers, but also herders, they make up the largest ethnic group in Mali. Animists, they believe in the existence of a god requires the gestation of a child. Ngala maintains the order of the universe. His existence coexists with another androgynous god called Faro, who gave all the qualities to men and who grows the fruits of the earth. Groups of nyamakala craftsmen, more specifically blacksmiths named numu, are in charge of carving ritual objects, endowed with nyama, occult energy. Using fire and magical objects, they are also assigned the role of healer and diviner.

Beautiful detail and age to this piece and ready to hang. less