Chi Wara Antelope FEMALE, Bamana African Start Price USD 390.00 Current Price USD 390.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 17, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Chi Wara Antelope FEMALE, Bamana African' Description Chi Wara Antelope FEMALE, Bamana AfricanType of Object: Mask, carving Ethnic Group: Bamana,Segou region Country of Origin: Mali Materials: Wood, cotton, beads Approximate Age: Second half 20th century Dimensions: height is 24.5 inches Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Worn patina Additional Information: This stylized antelope crest mask depicts a female antelope on a rectangular base. The ears are extended by two vertical horns. The antelope is carved with delicacy. She shows pointed breasts , long neck and a vertical tail and four bent legs. This well carved crest is a work of a Bamana artist. Among the Bamana carvings are known as Chi-Wara antelope Mask or crest. Chi wara or Tji Waras are "danced" twice a year, for the planting, and again after the harvest to honor the best farmer in the village. Sometimes the figure is above another animal, not always clearly definable as to species. The antelope represents the mythical character who taught the Bambara how to cultivate the land. The horn is a symbol of the millet's growth. For a fascinating discussion of Bamana sculptures, see Brett-Smith's THE MAKING OF BAMANA SCULPTURE-CREATIVITY AND GENDER, and superb examples in BAMANA-THE ART OF EXISTENCE IN MALI, edited by Colleyn.Description written by Niangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **035849** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!