Photographs © Tim Hamill
BAMANA STYLE
N'tomo Mask 13
23" high x 9.5" wide x 5.5" deep
$400
Despite its appearance, this Bamana N'tomo mask shows no evidence of age or use and was probably made to be sold.
There is some breakage and wood loss on the lower back of the mask and some surviving red cloth under the metal.
Among the Bamana, one of the most popular dances is that of the Ntomo association. Functioning as a bush school for the young, they were performed at harvest festivals. The number of horns indicated the sex of the mask. (male: 3 or 6, female: 4 or 8, androgynous: 2,5 or 7.)
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