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"Bambara Antelope Headdress Pair--Male and Female, " Carved Wood

circa 1900

$12,860
£9,818.55
€11,345.25
CA$18,053.01
A$20,121.96
CHF 10,557.30
MX$245,721.88
NOK 133,678.37
SEK 126,346.39
DKK 84,674.54

About the Item

This headdress was hand-carved by an unknown artist in the Bambara tribe in Mali, West Africa. It was likely created for ceremonial purposes and includes one male and one female headdress. 22 1/2" x 7" x 9" female (lighter, gray) 21 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" male (darker, brown) The Bambara are a Mandé people living in Africa, primarily in Mali but also in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal. They are considered to be among the largest Mandé ethnic groups, and are the dominant Mandé group in Mali, with 80% of the population speaking the Bambara language, regardless of ethnicity. Although most Bamana today adhere to Islam, many still practice the traditional rituals, especially in honoring ancestors. This form of syncretic Islam remains rare, even allowing for conversions that in many cases happened in the mid to late 19th century. This recent history, though, contributes to the richness and fame (in the West) of Bamana ritual arts. The Bamana people adapted many artistic traditions. Artworks were created both for religious use and to define cultural and religious difference. Bamana artistic traditions include pottery, sculpture, weaving, iron figures, and masks. While the tourist and art market is the main destination of modern Bamana artworks, most artistic traditions had been part of sacred vocations, created as a display of religious beliefs and used in ritual.
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1900
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 12466g and 12467g1stDibs: LU60532324541

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