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A superb Bamana 'Ntomo' mask browse these categories for related items... All Items: Hidden: Viewable: Pre 1940: item # 933287 Please refer to our stock # B614 when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book Price on request |
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| An important example of a Bamana 'Ntomo' society mask from the Segou region of Mali, located along the Niger River in the southwestern part of the country. This large face mask shows the comb-like projections typical of the form, but, in addition to this feature, a fully-rendered female figure stands atop the mask. The paddle-like hands, elongated neck, and fleshy, exaggerated facial features of the figure-and face mask, itself, are an indication of the Segou sub-style. The mask has been blackened, the result of a red-hot, metal implement which charred the wood surface rather than coloring it with a pigment or oil. 'Ntomo' is a society responsible for the direction of uninitiated children. It is popular throughout the Niger River Valley, but not practiced in every area of Bamana country. Silence and few words are considered to be admirable traits for the young initiates. In recent times, 'Ntomo' disciplines have been seriously altered by Muslim influence, and masquerades have become quite rare these days in the Bamana region. Showing extensive and long usage, this mask is a most desirable example. A few of the last power-enhancing attachments for the mask are still intact: a beaded necklace around the neck of the female, and one, dangling earring of glass beads and a cowrie shell (a symbol of female sexuality throughout Sub-Saharan Africa) hangs from the left ear lobe of the figure. The mask is in very fine condition, overall, with a few losses and abrasions, as expected for such an old, used example. Measuring 34" H x 8.75" W, it is from the early 20th century. Tremendous presence! | |||||||||||
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