From the Estate of Dr Paul Mitchell of Michigan we bring you this West African Mali Bamana Chiwara Antelope Headdress. Hand-carved in a beautiful wood with metal accents. The sculpture is already mounted to a display base. Please continue to scroll down past adverts for more pictures and information. West African Mali Bamana Chiwara Antelope Headdress 33 inches Vintage West African Mali Bamana Chiwara Antelope Headdress 33 inches Vintage
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Description From the Estate of Dr Paul Mitchell of Michigan we bring you this West African Mali Bamana Chiwara Antelope Headdress. Hand-carved in a beautiful wood with metal accents. The sculpture is already mounted to a display base. This stunning item is 8.0" W x 33.25" H x 6.0" D.
We are pleased to offer a stunning carved “antelope” wood Chi Wara or headdress from Bamana, Mali, West Africa. Chi Wara headdresses are some of the most widely known and appreciated forms in African art. According to legend, the ancestors of the Bamana learned to cultivate soil from a half man and half antelope creature called a Chi Wara. In honor of Chi Wara, the Bamana carve elaborate headdresses to be used in dance ceremonies. Dance ceremonies utilizing Chi Wara were once secret male ceremonies designed to instill in young boys the importance of diligent farming techniques. The dance masquerade in which Chi Wara headdresses appear is performed by champion farmers who are selected as “maskers.” The headdresses are attached to woven raffia caps and their bodies are covered in raffia costumes. The maskers make leaping movements like antelopes and hoeing movements to signify working in the fields. As the farmers dance, females imitate their movements and sing praise songs. All Chi Wara activities are governed and sponsored by the Tye Wara Society. The word “tye” means work, and “wara,” animal. The purpose of the society or “association” is to solicit the blessings of Chi Wara, teach essential farming skills and promote festivals and contests. It is in very good condition, including rubbing, minor scratches and small cracks. It dates probably to the mid-20th century. A superb example of a very distinctive style of African sculptural art, it would make a fine collector’s piece. Get images that
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