Southern Mali, Sanankoro Djitoumou Region

Bamana (Bambara)

Wood, cowrie shells, rattan, leather, cloth fiber
Mid 20th century
Length: 25.75 in, Width: 25 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

This Bamana chi wara headdress is horizontal and referred to as a n’gonzon koun.  It is found in the Djitoumou region, and unlike the other chi wara headdresses that are monoxylic (carved from a single piece of wood), this headdress is carved from two separate pieces of wood to form the head and the body. The head and the body are then joined together with u-shaped nails and a leather collar as seen here.  Sometimes metal collars are used instead.  The headdress displays a roan antelope.  The roan antelope represents the spirit that taught humans the fundamentals of agriculture.  Only two Chi wara headdresses are danced at the festival, a male and a female.  This male headdress is worn with raffia by the selected highly honored farmers, who, at the time of planting and harvest, dance in imitation of leaping antelopes.