Old Mask of N'Tomo - Bambara - Mali (No reserve price)

Old mask of the N'tomo Bambara (Mali).
Mask with 4 horns (broken)
Usually surmounted by three to eight horns forming a comb, the N’tomo facial mask alludes to a moment of compulsory teachings given to young uncircumcised boys in certain West African societies. The discreet or even absent mouth of the mask emphasizes the expected behavior in their future adult life after the training: controlling and measuring one's words, knowing how to keep silent, preserving secrets, and enduring pain silently.
The wooden face mask was male when it had three or six horns, female with a comb of four or eight horns; two, five, or seven horns allowed for the identification of androgynous masks.
This mask is supplied with a custom-made stand.
Mask height: 26 cm.
Height with the base: 40 cm