Bamana tribal Ci Wara headdress, Mali 1960s

hand made and handpainted multicolored table lamp. The base is made from camel leather and hardwood. It is hand painted with a floral decor. It has one light in the base shining thr...

Wabi sabi style side table. It was handcrafted from solid oak. The base is made from a log of oak set on two handcrafted feet. Unique and natural item that will look great in virtual...

Large modernist bench. Made from solid wood. The bench consists of two halves that are joined together with wood dowels and 2 large metal bolts. They can also be used as 2 separate s...

Hand knotted oriental wall hanging. Made from wool, jute and other natural materials. The piece is still in very good condition. Hand-knotted in ...

Purchased from the estate of Patti Cadby Birch Trust. Birch was a collector and a trustee of Both MOMA and MMA. The antelope itself is 13 1/2"x4 3/4...

Early 20th century Chiwara Headdress, Bamana (Bambara) People, Mali Chiwara headcrests represent the antelope spirit who taught the Bamana people ...

Bamana N'tomo mask, Mali, 20th century "Generally surmounted by three to eight horns forming a comb, the N'tomoface mask refers to a moment of compulsory education given to uncircumcised young boys in certain West African societies. The mask's discreet, even absent, mouth emphasizes the behavior expected of them in their future adult life after training: controlling and measuring their words, knowing how to keep quiet, preserving secrets and enduring pain in silence." Excerpt from Masques du N'tomo, Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière Collection, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, France. The Bambara, or Bamana, live in central and southern Mali. Their name means “unbeliever” and was given to them by the Muslims. Animists, they believe in the existence of a creator god called Ngala, who maintains the order of the universe and coexists with another androgynous god called Faro, master of the Word, who gave all qualities to mankind and makes the fruits of the earth grow. Traditional Bamana art objects are closely linked to agrarian rites. The Bamana dance these masks during initiation and circumcision ceremonies for young boys in the Ntomo society. The face, with its vertical outgrowths at the top, adopts geometric features beneath a rounded forehead, including an imposing busted nose, as the Bamana favor this organ in their statuary as it evokes sociability and clan cohesion. Indeed, during choreography, the dancer frequently touches the nose of the mask. As teaching aids for candidates, masks from societies accessible to young boys and adults, such as the N'tomo, Korè and Ci wara...

A mud cloth (Bogolanfini), Mali, Bamana People mid-20th century. Hand woven 'discharge dyed' cotton Approximately 71 x 52 in. (180cm. x 132cm.) A dazzling geometric pattern...