African Mask Bamana N'toma Mask

This is a beautiful Aluminum and Wood N'tomo Mask with Six Horns, Bamana people, Mali. This is a Bamana mask of the N'tomo. Bamana N'tomo (N'Domo) masks serve to protect young boys during their first initiation cycle, before circumcision. The number of horns refer to specific characteristics of males (three or six horns) or females (four or eight horns). The present mask has 7 horns, which means it is feminine. Some of its other features have also been symbolically interpreted: the small mouth indicates the value of silence or of thinking before speaking; the long nose expresses the metaphorical capacity to detect the good and bad qualities in people. And the antelope incarnates all of the qualities associated to the Chi-Wara head-crest. N'Tomo masks never speak, demonstrating their power to protect the young boys just by their presence. It was danced by mature men, to protect the boys, and it was also be worn by the boys when they would dance and test one another. A wonderful mask to adorn your home or collection.

Shows age, but in good condition

50 Inches Long
10.5 Inches Wide
5 Inches Deep

AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA.P749