Mask - Mali (No reserve price)

Cimier Tiwara Bambara of Mali.


Height: 87 cmcm20

Cimier Tiwara Bambara of Mali. An antique piece over 40 years old. Piece on a pedestal.

The Ciwara mask, or Tyi wara, of its full name Tyi wara kun (from Bambara pronounced tchiwara, meaning 'head of the beast of culture' (ci = culture, wara = lion, and kun = head)1) is a ritual ceremonial mask in the form of an antelope-horse that is encountered in Bambara culture. It is one of the best-known pieces of African art.

The ciwara rewards, within the Bambara community, the greatest workers in all areas of active life.

This crest mask is used during the rites of the Ciwara society, one of the six secret institutions that organize the Bamana society. It is fixed on the heads of the dancers, all belonging to the Ciwara society, thanks to a wicker bonnet. The dances of the Ciwara society are linked to agricultural rites and