Description:

Western Africa, Mali and Burkina Faso, Bamana (also Bambara) peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden dance crest (known as a sogo ni kun) depicting a highly stylized antelope secured atop a woven basketry headpiece. The antelope stands atop an integral ovoid platform with fused front and back legs, holds its head upright while displaying two applied iron eyes as well as a forked snout, and features a smaller pair of horns in front of a larger trio of horns with slender grooves around the upper tips. The basketry base is sturdy yet flexible enough to move with the wearer. Chi Wara (also Chi Wara, Ci Wara, or Tji-Wara) are meant to depict a divine being that is half human and half antelope. This being taught humanity how to cultivate the land and was honored by the Bamana ever after. Size: 7.625" W x 8.3" H (19.4 cm x 21.1 cm); 12.875" H (32.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#153303

  • Condition: Minor nicks, abrasions, and a few stable fissures to wooden element, with slight bending to basketry base, and light fading to original pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of pigment on wooden top element.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 27, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000