Height: 95 cm; 37.4 inches. Provenance: private collection, Belgium. Lot Essay and Expertise of the Gaunt Tribal Art Gallery, United Kingdom. Dating: 1940s. The first thing that is surprising of this authentic item of collection, is its unusual size: 95 cm high! This highly stylised mask is related to the Ci Wara or Tyi Wara festivity among the Bambara/Bamana. By extension, this mask bears the same name as the festivity. This is a cult which celebrates agriculture and sexuality. For the rain to water the cultures, many existing rites need to be accomplished. This elegant open-worked sculpture came out of the sanctuary with long fibre coatings, tied in the little perforations, visible on the circumference of the base. As an object of sculpture, these crests are renowned worldwide and became an emblem of Africa. Propitiatory dances are performed by the couple of masks, masculine and feminine, often represented with a youngster on the back. The dance refers to procreation and sacred principles. These very stylised figures come from different regions of Mali and are identifiable thanks to their well-marked style. This crest mask comes from the region of Bougouni. It is easily recognisable, with its body elongated upwards, its long vertical horns and its filiform face. The perforations on the base were used to tie the crest on a hat, worn by the dancer on his head. Rare and authentic object having participated in many dances, as attests the patina. We can note exceptional refinement of the sculpture, have a look at the refinement of the details. Shipment within 24 working hours. Track & trace included. With acknowledgment of receipt. Secure shipment. Tags: mask, figurine, sculpture, figure, statuette, wood, art, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, USA, Dogon, contemporary, first, primitive, tribal, African, antiquity, artwork, gallery, Picasso, Giacometti, art gallery, African art, cubism.