Lot 102
Tribal / Ethnographic, Africa, Mali, Bamana, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A large and magnificent male Chi Wara (Ci Wara) mask, so skillfully and extensively carved with an intricate composition and marvelous metal and hide/fiber embellishments. Often described as an antelope, the Chi Wara is actually a composite animal part antelope, part aardvark, and part pangolin. All of these animals are creatures that dig up the earth; while antelopes carve the ground with their hooves, the aardvark and pangolin use their claws to excavate termite mounds. This communion with the earth makes them ideal components of the Chi Wara, the supernatural being believed to have taught the Bamana people how to farm. Custom stand. Size: 11.875" W x 47.75" H (30.2 cm x 121.3 cm); 49.875" H (126.7 cm) on stand
Historically, such masks were worn by male and female pairs in a dance performance that praised skilled farmers. The creator of this particular mask emphasized the broad neck and mane of the roan antelope. The vertical horns resemble those of both the roan and oryx antelopes. The body, with its big ears, short legs and thick tail, suggests the aardvark; while the incised surfaces suggest the scales of the pangolin. A bold and breathtaking mask that demonstrates a high level of skill with its expert carving and overall beautiful composition.
A very similar example realized $47,500 at Christies, New York, May 10, 2012, Sale 2661, Lot 20. This example is also very similar to a male Chi Wara mask (accession # 73-7-56) in the Smithsonian Institution collection; see http://africa.si.edu/exhibits/animals/chiwara.html.
Provenance: ex-collection of Allen Davis, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#124871
- Condition: Tip of one horn reattached. Metal adornments show normal oxidation. Two fissures to base end. Normal surface wear with a few small nicks here and there, particularly at peripheries. Wood shows a nice patina.
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| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |