African Mask Bamana Chi Wara Headdress Mali

Description

This is a beautiful Chi Wara Male Headdress from the Bamana People of Mali. Among the Bamana, oral traditions credit a mythical being named Chi Wara, a divine being half mortal and half animal, with the introduction of agriculture to the Bamana.  These headdresses, also called Chi Wara, are carved to honor that original mythical being. Under Chi Wara's guidance, humans first learned to cultivate the land and became prosperous and able farmers. When humans gradually became careless and wasteful, however, Chi Wara is said to have buried himself in the earth. To honor Chi Wara's memory, the Bamana created a boli, a power object in which his spirit could reside, and carved headdresses such as this to represent him. Chi Wara headdresses combine antelope features with those of other animals that are significant within Bamana culture.
COMES ON STAND
Shows age and Natural Wear
27.5 Inches Tall
2 1/4 Inches Wide
8.5 Inches Deep
AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE.  FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA.