Mythical Ciwara Crest - Bamana - Mali (No reserve price)

Among the Bamana, oral tradition speaks of the existence of a mythical being named Ci Wara, half-human, half-antelope. Under his guidance, humans learned to cultivate the land and became prosperous farmers. When they gradually grew negligent and wasteful, Ci Wara buried himself. To honor his memory, the Bamana created the boli, sacred objects housing his spirit, and carved headdresses like these to represent him. The elegant, slender head, as well as the neck, ears and horns, are inspired by the antelope. The lower part evokes the aardvark. Adorned with finely incised geometric motifs, these headdresses illustrate the subtle play between the full and the empty.