Bamana, Mali - Use patina wood - height 38 cm - Early 20th century

Surprising mask on the human face, surmounted by combed horns. This mask was used for dances during the initiation ceremonies of children aged 6 to 13 (until their circumcision), during the rites that allowed them to access the society of the Ntomo, by learning about the origin of man and his place in the world. They are characterized by their geometric shapes: hollow circle-shaped eyes, long rectangular nose that evokes the sociability and cohesion of the camp. The Bamana of Mali are animists and also believe in the existence of a generic god called Ngala who maintains the order of the universe coexisting with the god Faro who gave all the qualities of man and who grows cultures.

Previously belonging to a private collection.