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Splendid Seven rams Ntomo Mask, Bamana Population, Mali, 1930-1940

About the Item

The Ntomo mask is used during initiation rituals in West Africa. It is identifiable by its horns, which range from three to eight. The Bamana, also known as the Bambara, live in Mali, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire, sharing a common language and traditions. These rituals, reserved for adolescents aged 6 to 13, are led by blacksmiths, the only ones capable of carving these sacred masks due to their mastery of "nyama," a dangerous spiritual energy. Each mask is created under the guidance of a djinn, and the horns symbolize its gender: three or six horns for a male mask, four or eight for a female, and two, five, or seven for an androgynous mask. The mask presented here, with seven horns, is androgynous, while the other mask we have, with four horns, is female. Ségou region, Mali. Wood, cowrie shells, reptile skin. Dimensions: H : 61.5 cm / H : 24.02 inches.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24.22 in (61.5 cm)Width: 3.94 in (10 cm)Depth: 1.97 in (5 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1930
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Paris, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1012838333322

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