horned crest - Minianka - Mali

Crest - Minianka - Wood, horn, cowrie shells - Bambara - Mali - 43 cm

Crest symbolizing a mythical animal.
The base is made from a helmet decorated on the sides with aligned cowries.
On the top a large horn is fixed towards the rear.
In front a kind of protuberance curved upward.
Below a geometric shape like a jaw.
At the back a representation of a mythical chameleon animal.
At the base of the ensemble a four-band frill goes around the helmet.
This type of object was worn on the head and participated in ceremonies in the villages of southeastern Mali.
The antique object is in good condition and shows a crusty patina.