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: 31 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. (80.6 x 34.3 x 7 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 77.245.2
• Credit Line: Gift of Rosemary and George Lois
• Image: Overall, 77.245.2_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Bamana. Dance Headdress (Ci-wara Kun), late 19th-early 20th century. Wood, metal, 31 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. (80.6 x 34.3 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Rosemary and George Lois, 77.245.2 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 77.245.2_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Female: antelope headdress with long slender neck and carrying a fawn on her back. Ears are in shape of round disks with white metal rings inserted in each ear. Thin metal band with zigzag edge decorates her forehead and there is a small white metal disk inserted in proper left eye. Notched circular pattern decorates snout. Tall, thin vertical horns have incised decorative grooves. Edges of ears have decorative notched pattern. On top of female's back is the fawn. It has vertical horns that are bifurcated - bent at right angle - and with incised grooves. The ears are notched at edge and there are incised bands on forehead. It has a small sweeping mane with "V" shaped configurations on outer curve. Tail is pointed. Condition: excellent. Small area of pitting on proper left side of neck. Fawns snout tip worn, and small section of mane missing near torso. Right inlaid eye missing.