African Tribal Art - Ci Wara Bamana Crest Mask

French Lelys Collection.

According to legend, a mythical being, a spirit animal named Ciwara, taught the Bambara the art of cultivating the land. This myth is recalled by the stylized representation of a roan antelope, also called ci wara, meaning "beast of the earth." These crests were worn on top of the head, held by a small basket, and accompanied the dancers during the tòn rituals, an association dedicated to agricultural work. As they roamed the fields, the masks served to chase away nyama, evil energies, to detect any danger, or to spot evil spirits likely to steal the soul of cultivated plants and the life force of their seeds. The Bambara, or "Bamana," designated "unbelievers" by Muslims, are based in central and southern Mali. They are part of the large Mandingo ethnic group, alongside the Soninke and the Malinke. Animists, they believe in the existence of a creator god, Ngala, who possesses 266 sacred attributes, one for each day of the 9 lunar months of a child's gestation. Ngala watches over the order of the universe, coexisting with another androgynous god, Faro, who endowed men with all their qualities and made the fruits of the earth grow.

Piece on a base.

Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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