Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Dance Headdress (Ci-wara Kun)

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Dance Headdress (Ci-wara Kun)

These headdresses, called chi wara, represent antelopes, important animals in Bamana philosophy. The antelope's power is a metaphor for the successful farmer who tirelessly tills his fields. Worn on the heads of male dancers, these headdresses are always danced in pairs, one male and one female, to symbolize the fertility of both land and animals. The headdresses are danced during agricultural festivals by each town's champion farmer, who wears them with raffia or cloth costumes.

This text refers to these objects: 77.245.1; 77.245.2

• Culture: Bamana
• Medium: Wood, metal
• Place Made: Ségou, Koulikouro, or Sikasso Region, Mali
• Dates: late 19th-early 20th century
• Dimensions: 36 3/8 x 14 1/4 x 2 7/8 in. (92.4 x 36.2 x 7.3 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 77.245.1
• Credit Line: Gift of Rosemary and George Lois
• Image: Group, 77.245.1_77.245.2_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Bamana. Dance Headdress (Ci-wara Kun), late 19th-early 20th century. Wood, metal, 36 3/8 x 14 1/4 x 2 7/8 in. (92.4 x 36.2 x 7.3 cm) . Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Rosemary and George Lois, 77.245.1 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 77.245.1_77.245.2_PS1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Male: antelope headdress in vertical style with glossy, deep reddish brown patina. The mane consists of three sweeping curved bands with elaborate openwork "V" shaped configurations in each band. Head is narrow and snout is elongated. There are incised decorative notches on head and on both sides of body near tail. Horns are very tall and bifurcated - tips are carved almost at right angle near top. Horns decorated with incised grooves. Edges of ears are notched. Condition: very good. Proper left ear has native repair; metal plate is nailed across crack at top edge.