Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 247

Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247

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Photo 1 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 2 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 3 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 4 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 5 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 6 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 7 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
Photo 8 — Bambara Ntomo — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 247
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Description

Initiatory mask of the Ntomo, the society of uncircumcised young boys, used during rites of learning and harvests. It embodies discipline, knowledge and self-mastery before the passage into adulthood. At the top, a stylised female figure, often identified with Nyeleni, symbolises the ideal wife and fertility. Patinated wood, marked traces of use, visible abrasions, old restorations with metal fragments. Structure topped with vertical bars evoking horns or accumulated wisdom. Overall condition: worn but authentic, with losses and cracks attesting to its ritual use.

Technical details

Availability
Unavailable
Type of piece
Masque
Category
Masks
Ethnic group
Bambara
Country
Mali
Materials
wood
Dimensions
H 66 × W 13 × D 17 cm
Weight
1,7 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
247