Bambara (or Bamana), Mali: A initiation mask of the ‘N’tomo’ type.
A typical, old mask of the Bambara in Mali, which is used in the initiation ceremonies of the ‘N’tomo society’. Originally with 6 vertical prongs. ‘N’tomo’ represents the first rank in the age groups’ system of the Bambara. Carved in hard, brown wood and dyed black. With an oblong face, long nose, round eyes and a round, open mouth. The ears are merely sketched. Scarification marks appear in two double zigzag bands across the forehead, and in three lines along the face outline. Three out of the originally six prongs are broken (old cracks!), one prong broken and glued.
A visibly old piece with good patina and minor age-related damage (cracks).
First third of the 20th century; H: 44 cm (in total). (ME)
Provenance: German Private Collection.
Lit.: 'Bamana', catalogue Museum Rietberg Zurich, fig. 72–79; 'Bamana' by Jean-Paul Colleyn, fig. 30, 33, 34.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,600.- to EUR 1,800.-
Bambara (or Bamana), Mali: A initiation mask of the ‘N’tomo’ type.
A typical, old mask of the Bambara in Mali, which is used in the initiation ceremonies of the ‘N’tomo society’. Originally with 6 vertical prongs. ‘N’tomo’ represents the first rank in the age groups’ system of the Bambara. Carved in hard, brown wood and dyed black. With an oblong face, long nose, round eyes and a round, open mouth. The ears are merely sketched. Scarification marks appear in two double zigzag bands across the forehead, and in three lines along the face outline. Three out of the originally six prongs are broken (old cracks!), one prong broken and glued.
A visibly old piece with good patina and minor age-related damage (cracks).
First third of the 20th century; H: 44 cm (in total). (ME)
Provenance: German Private Collection.
Lit.: 'Bamana', catalogue Museum Rietberg Zurich, fig. 72–79; 'Bamana' by Jean-Paul Colleyn, fig. 30, 33, 34.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |