GSK 0515-3

Chi Wara with Baby Headdress, Bambara, Mali

H: 120 cm (47,2″)

Bambara carvers have established a reputation for the zoomorphic headdresses worn by Tji-Wara society members. Although they are all different, they often incorporating a zig-zag motif, which represents the sun’s course from east to west, and a head with two large horns. Bambara members of the Tji-Wara society wear the headdress while dancing in their fields at sowing time, hoping to increase the crop yield. A prosperity/fertility symbol.

Chi Wara legend
According to Bamana popular folklore the Chi Wara is a mythological hero. He came down from heaven to teach people managing agricultural life. In this way he ensured the survival of humanity. According to the legend the Chi Wara is a half antelope, half human. Dances performed in honour of the Chi Wara was originally a religious ceremony. Today the Chi Wara´s are carried to obtain a good harvest.

Age: Second half og the 20th Century

Provenance: Private collection

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