Julien Gauthier

African Art for New Collectors

Iron masks are reserved for the blacksmith caste. Among the Bambara, as in many West African societies, blacksmiths also act as gravediggers. Their wives, from the same caste, are midwives and potters.

These masks are worn during initiations that take place every seven years.
The mask is topped by a stylized scorpion.
Beautiful minimalist composition.

Height 37 cm x Width 19 cm x Depth at the level of the scorpion's tail 5.5 cm Weight 702 g

Shipped by registered Colissimo.

Les masques réalisés en fer sont réservés à la caste des forgerons. Chez les Bambara, comme dans de nombreuses sociétés d'Afrique de l'Ouest, les forgerons font aussi office de fossoyeur. Leurs femmes, issues de la même caste, sont matrones/sage-femme et potières.
Ces masques sont portés durant des initiations qui ont lieu tous les sept ans.
Le masque est surmonté d'un scorpion stylisé.
Belle composition minimaliste.

Hauteur 37 cm X largeur 19 cm X profondeur au niveau de la queue du scorpion 5,5 cm Poids 702 g

Envoi en colissimo recommandé.


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Blacksmith's initiation mask. - Bambara - Mali

Wood, Iron (wrought) - Fair condition

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Original forged-iron and wood initiation mask from Mali, of the Bambara people, from a private collection, 37 cm high, 19 cm wide, 5.5 cm deep, 702 g, featuring a stylised scorpion and used in seven-year initiation rites.

Blacksmith's initiation mask. - Bambara - Mali

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Original forged-iron and wood initiation mask from Mali, of the Bambara people, from a private collection, 37 cm high, 19 cm wide, 5.5 cm deep, 702 g, featuring a stylised scorpion and used in seven-year initiation rites.

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