Cimier Minianka - Bambara - Mali

Crest - Minianka - Wood, horn, cowries - Bambara - Mali.

Crest symbolizing a mythical animal.
The base consists of a helmet pierced along the sides and adorned with aligned cowries.
On the sides two large horns are attached.
In the center a head with a long pointed beak protrudes beyond the plane of the helmet.
It itself has its own pair of horns.
Two cowries form the eyes.
At the base of the whole, a leather band is fixed all around.
This kind of object worn on the head participated in ceremonies in the villages of southeastern Mali.
The antique object is in good condition.