Authentic Double-Headed BAMANA CIWARA w/ Original Basketry HEADDRESS!

Description

Double-Headed BAMANA CIWARA w/ Original Basketry HEADDRESS!
Origin: Mali, Bamana people, Djitoumou region, Bamako district     (Provenance: collection of Judy Harris, Los Angeles)
Period/Date: Early to mid 20th century
Materials: Hardwood, rattan, fiber, metal, iron staples, cotton cloth
Description: This unique
Ci wara
was used in the "
ton
" agricultural performance. It is presented on a custom wood and metal display stand. It features a stylized antelope with long sweptback horns with its body morphing onto another zoomorphic animal, possibly a Hyena. The effect is as if the headdress captures the moment when two entities were fused together! This example has a good surface which is dry and semi-encrusted from long use. It was well used, cared for and mended from ceremony to ceremony. There are old iron stable mends to the left top curved horn on the head and also to the very long horizontal backswept horn (left side). It is complete and features its original basketry head cap having cloth and fiber attachments at its base. The basketry is quite old and has a rich varied patina.
Dimensions: Length 25" (64 cm), Height 21" (53.5 cm), Width 2.5" (6.5 cm)
Dimensions:  Height 15.5" (39.5 cm), Width 3.75" ( cm 9.5)