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Splendid four rams Ntomo Mask, Bamana Population, Mali

Offered by: Avant-Garde Gallery by Pierre Bosche

Description
The Ntomo mask is used during initiation rituals for youths in Bamana societies of West Africa. It is recognizable by its upper part shaped like a comb, with three to eight horns symbolizing the gender of the mask. Masks with three or six horns are masculine, those with four or eight are feminine, and those with two, five, or seven horns are androgynous. Crafted by blacksmiths, the only ones capable of handling the wood charged with spiritual energy, these masks are part of ceremonies that include costumes and whips, representing mythical and spiritual figures. This mask is crafted for females.

Bamana Population, Mali.
Wood and cowrie shells.
Dimensions: H : 52 cm L : 14.5 cm / H : 20.48 in 5.5 in

More Information

Origin:	Mali
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Wood and cowrie shells
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	unknown
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Traditional
Patterns:	Textured
Dealer Reference #:	343
Incollect Reference #:	701049

Dimensions

H.	20.47 in;	D.	5.71 in;
H.	52 cm;	D.	14.5 cm;

Message from Seller:

Avant-Garde Gallery is dedicated to the XXth Century Decorative Arts. We are an antique dealer which offers works of art by artists who shaped the XXth century and our present. The artists on displays embodied the Avant-garde and keep surprising us by their modernity. They are painters, poster designers, designers, cabinet makers, sculptors, ceramists, silversmiths or photographers. P: 3361118125611 E: pierre.bosche@gmail.com