Southern Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal

Bambara

Wood, rattan, cowrie shells, cotton fiber
Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 12.5 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

A Bambara (Bamana) people of Mali Chi wara (also spelled Chiwara or Tyiwara) headdress.  This headdress displays a combined aardvark and roan antelope. The aardvark is given reverence by Bambara farmers because of its ability to break up the hard soils of the often sun baked Sahel region at planting season.  The Roan antelope represents the spirit that taught humans the fundamentals of agriculture.  Both male and female Chi wara headdresses are danced.  This female 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.  This Chi wara is attached to a wickerwork cap of raffia surrounded with a band of cowrie shells.  Red cotton fiber balls and animal hair also ornament this rare ‘Chiwara.’  Incised low relief carving in geometric patterns is displayed throughout.  Field collected showing age and usage.