Bambara Antelope Headdress (Chiwara) II
Mali
A headdress constructed along a dominant horizontal axis, the head projecting forward from a compact quadruped body, weight borne through four legs into an integral base.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the head extends forward in a continuous projection, terminating in a level muzzle. Paired horns rise in parallel arcs from the cranial mass, articulated with repeated incision. The eyes are incised within a contained facial plane.
The neck descends from the head into the body, the neck-body junction encircled by a leather collar. The body is reduced and compact, with four short legs aligned beneath the mass, terminating in small feet integral with the base. A curved tail projects upward from the rear.
Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across the form, with exposure at projecting elements. Incised details retained across the horns and head; leather collar present and intact.
Context
Among the Bambara, Chiwara headdresses are worn in agricultural ceremonies marking planting and harvest cycles.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Mali, 1984.
Details
- Title
- Bambara Antelope Headdress (Chiwara) II
- Culture
- Bambara
- Origin
- Mali
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 69 cm (27.2 in) · W 31 cm (12.2 in)
- Medium
- Wood, leather
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Mali, 1984.
- Condition
- Stable patina; incised details retained; leather collar intact.
