Head Crest Mask (Chi Wara Kun)
Artist/Maker
Bamana people
(Mali)
Dateca. 1960
Mediumwood, metal, cowrie shells, cotton, and plant fiber
DimensionsOverall: 46 1/2 x 11 3/8 x 7 1/2 in. (118.1 x 28.9 x 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Professor and Mrs. Robert R. Ferens
Terms
Object number91.0056
DescriptionIn Bamana mythology Chi Wara is a creature born of the union between a woman who was the first human and a snake. Chi Wara used his claws and a pointed stick to cultivate the earth, turning wild grasses into grain. He taught his technique to humans. His image is that of an antelope often combined with creatures associated with the earth such as lizards or aardvarks. Members of an organization of young men associated with agriculture wear the headdress.On View
Not on viewCollections
17th century