Large Male Bamana/Bambara Chiwara Carved Wood Figure Headdress from Mali - 52" H X 13" D X 3.5" W

Bamana/Bambara dancers used these Chiwara headpieces during ceremonies which occurred during pre-planting and harvesting months to portray humanized antelopes. This piece depicts a male antelope with two long curved horns. 

It is a great representation of the vertical style of the Eastern Bamana with openwork carving representing the mane and neck of the antelope. Its body is covered with incised decoration, has red thread ear embellishments, an amazing dark brown patina and is mounted on a new acrylic base. African sculpture such as this will stand out while complementing any décor taste from Mid-Century, Industrial/Loft, Organic-Inspired, California Casual, Japandi... to Wabi Sabi or Coastal Modern Design. 

Place of Origin: Mali, West Africa

Date of Manufacture: 1950s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Figure: 50 in. H X 3.5 in. W X 13in. D

Base: 2 in. H X 7in. W X 10 in. L

Total: 52 in. H

Reference: 

The Met

Penn Museum

Cincinnati Art Museum

Birmingham Museum of Art

Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at the University of Illinois

University of Missouri Museum of Art & Archaeology

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico

Explore more African Carved Wood at Our Taste Design.