Tyi Wara antelope figure - Bambara - Mali

The Ci Wara antelope headdresses, originating from the Bambara and Malinke societies of West Africa, notably in Mali, embody a deep agricultural and spiritual symbolism. These wooden sculptures, often stylized in the form of an antelope or a hybrid being, are worn during agricultural ceremonies to honor Ci, the spirit of agriculture, and Wara, the mythical animal associated with field fertility.

Their aesthetics, marked by clean lines and expressive geometry, reflect the harmony between human, animal, and earth. The Ci Wara headdresses are not mere artistic objects: they are mediators between the visible world and the invisible forces that govern crop growth. Their ritual use, during dances and songs, underscores their central role in the transmission of traditional knowledge and social cohesion.

Overview of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A reference seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach aims to be rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packing, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.