Southern Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal

Bambara

Wood, rattan, metal, cowrie shells
Late 19th-Early 20th century
Length: 17.5 in (wood = 14 in, basket = 3.5 in), Width: 7 in, Depth: 8.5 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

A Bambara (Bamana) people of Mali Chi wara (also spelled Chiwara or Tyiwara) headdress. The Chi wara appears to represent a combined aardvark and roan antelope. The aardvark is given reverence by Bamana farmers because of its ability to break up the hard soils of the often sun baked Sahel region at planting season.   The antelope represents the spirit that taught humans the fundamentals of agriculture.  The 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 of the rare janus form, representing both male and female.  It is attached to a wickerwork cap surrounded with two rows of cowrie shells and metal rings inserted in the top crest.  Incised low relief carving in geometric patterns is displayed throughout.  Field collected showing age and usage.