Ceremonial Mask. The 1.9 to 2.5 million Bambara people form the largest ethnic group within Mali and occupy the central part of the country, in an area of savannah. They live principally from agriculture, with some subsidiary cattle rearing in the northern part of their territory. Although recently the Muslim faith has been spreading among them, the Bambara are still predominantly animist. They maintain many of their ancient religious rites, which are principally concerned with agriculture, and the fertility of the land. The Bambara have a very complex cosmology. They believe in existence of spiritual forces, which are activated by individuals, who are capable to create an atmosphere of harmony. They excelled in three types of sculpture: stylized antelope headdresses, statues, and masks. The function of this unusual and beautiful mask is unknown.
Material: wood.
Size: H. 11", W. 6", D. 4 ½"
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