Mask - Mali (No reserve price)

Cimier Tiwara Bambara of Mali. An ancient piece

The Ciwara mask, or Tyi wara, whose full name is Tyi wara kun (as Bambara is pronounced tchiwara, meaning "head of the beast of culture" (ci = culture, wara = lion, and kun = head)1) is a ritual crest-mask in the shape of an antelope-horse that is found in Bambara culture. It is one of the best-known pieces of African art.

The ciwara rewards, in Bambara contexts, 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 Bambara society. It is fixed on the heads of dancers, all belonging to the ciwara society, thanks to a wicker bonnet. The dances of the ciwara society are tied to agricultural rites and thus to the idea of fertility, fecundity, and sowing. During these ceremonial rites, the mask becomes the attribute of a costumed dancer who gives it life and voice. Through movement, and especially the bearer, the mask finds its meaning. The ciwaras usually danced in pairs. These ceremonies take place in broad daylight, at the