Chi Wara Headdress, Bamana People, Mali

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Home > African Masks

Chi Wara Headdress, Bamana People, Mali

Item Id: 894983

Artist: Bamana Tribe

Medium: Wood, Fiber, Beads, Cowrie Shells

Dimensions; height: 26", width: 9", depth: 8", weight: 3lbs

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$375.00

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Description

The mythical Chi Wara ("working animal") taught agriculture to the ancestors of the Bamana. The carved wooden headdress represents the antelope, an animal with the ideal combination of power and finesse, important qualities for a successful farmer.The female Chi Wara headdress represents the earth; the child on its back represents mankind. The zig-zag mane of the male represents the sun_s path along the horizon between solstices; the long horns stand for the tall growth of millet; the penis signifies the rooting of the grain. The long ears refer to the farmers listening to the songs sung by the women who encourage the men while they work the fields.Dancing in male and female pairs, the ritual headdress emphasizes the importance of hard work, diligence, cooperation, intelligence and preparation.

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