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Authentic 11th to 15th century Dongon Dege mask made of wood, with chestnut brown patina, simple but yet very harmonious, an exceptional piece for your collection. It originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region.
Made of 100% wood, fiber Patin.
Model is W 34 - H 15 and weight 1.2 kg.
Made of 100% Terracotta
Model is W 14 - H 30 - D 16 and weight 4 kg
This Djenne figure sculpted by hand into a sitting genuflecting posture, is made of terracotta, with elements from traditional livelihood material such as red clay mixed with grog. They usually depict suffering from ailments such as elephantiasis, facial paralysis, and leprosy. These sign of diseases on the sculpture may have been intended to protect against illnesses or for protection but beyond conjecture, their meaning and significance are still unknown, but they may have been venerated in special sanctuaries and private homes.
The history of Djenné is also closely linked with that of Timbuktu. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, much of the trans-Saharan trade in goods such as salt, gold, and slaves that moved in and out of Timbuktu passed through Djenné. Both towns became centers of Islamic scholarship. However, It was founded by the Bozo (allied with the Bamana) people in about 800 AD and was relocated upstream to take advantage of the Trans-Saharan trade networks.
Made of 100% Terracotta
Model is W 18 - H 57 - D 20 and weight 5 kg
This piece depicting a kneeling or sitting chief was made by the Nok people of Nigeria. The piece is a classic of the Ala Katsina terracotta style and the technique is influenced by the traditional wood sculpting of the Tellem people of Mali.
Little is known of the original function of the pieces, but theories include ancestor portrayal, grave markers, and charms to prevent crop failure, infertility, and illness. Also, based on the dome-shaped bases found on several figures, they could have been used as finials for the roofs of ancient structures.
This zoomorphic figure standing upright on all four legs, the head with sheep-like muzzle bearing a human nose seem to originate from the Tenenkou, Massina region of Mali. It is a classic of the region, with a stocky body and very thick legs, a slim neck, and a small head bearing protuberant ears, bulging eyes and a half-open mouth on a pointed snout. The identity of the animal is somewhat obscure, and could depict a mythological animal and was used as a religious or devotional piece. There is little historical information about the Tenenkou, but their culture seem absorbed from the Djenne.
Made of 100% Terracotta.
Model is W 14 – H 26 and weight 0.6 kg.
Carved from light wood with long ears, deep-set, triangular eyes, and a long nose,‘Gomintogo’ or Hare originates from the Dogon people of Eastern Mali, and represent one of the 80 masks types of the tribe. The first mask was said to be originally carved by a farmer who killed the rabbit because it had devastated his fields. The farmer built an altar to shelter the spirit of the rabbit and prevent it from wandering and taking revenge on the living people.
Made of 100% wood, pigment.
Model is W 21 – H 58 and weight 1 kg
The Ntomo (also called N’domo) Bamana mask originate from Mali. They were worn by boys as they passed through the early cycle of initiation into manhood. As part of the six initiation societies collectively known as Dyow, the main aim of the initial 5-year long N’tomo Dyo is to prepare uncircumcised boys for adulthood and to educate them about life including farming skills and discipline. The masqueraders wearing the masks, enter the village compound to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. There are two main style groups of their masks. One is characterized by an oval face with four to ten horns in a row on top like a comb, often covered with cowries or dried red berries. The other type has a ridged nose, a protruding mouth, a superstructure of vertical horns, in the middle of which or in front of which is a standing figure or an animal. The ntomo masks with thin mouths underscore the virtue of silence and the importance of controlling one’s speech. During their time in ntomo the boys learn to accept discipline. They do not yet have access to the secret knowledge related to kore and other initiation societies. Members wore a wooden face mask during the initiation festival at harvest time and when begging for rice.
Made of 100% Wood, pigment, seeds, latex, metal.
Model is W 21 – H 58 and weight 1 kg
The Ntomo (also called N’domo) Bamana mask originate from Mali. They were worn by boys as they passed through the early cycle of initiation into manhood. As part of the six initiation societies collectively known as Dyow, the main aim of the initial 5-year long N’tomo Dyo is to prepare uncircumcised boys for adulthood and to educate them about life including farming skills and discipline. The masqueraders wearing the masks, enter the village compound to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. There are two main style groups of their masks. One is characterized by an oval face with four to ten horns in a row on top like a comb, often covered with cowries or dried red berries. The other type has a ridged nose, a protruding mouth, a superstructure of vertical horns, in the middle of which or in front of which is a standing figure or an animal. The ntomo masks with thin mouths underscore the virtue of silence and the importance of controlling one’s speech. During their time in ntomo the boys learn to accept discipline. They do not yet have access to the secret knowledge related to kore and other initiation societies. Members wore a wooden face mask during the initiation festival at harvest time and when begging for rice.
Made of 100% Wood, pigment, seeds, latex, metal.
Model is W 21 – H 58 and weight 2 kg
The Ntomo (also called N’domo) Bamana mask originate from Mali. They were worn by boys as they passed through the early cycle of initiation into manhood. As part of the six initiation societies collectively known as Dyow, the main aim of the initial 5-year long N’tomo Dyo is to prepare uncircumcised boys for adulthood and to educate them about life including farming skills and discipline. The masqueraders wearing the masks, enter the village compound to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. There are two main style groups of their masks. One is characterized by an oval face with four to ten horns in a row on top like a comb, often covered with cowries or dried red berries. The other type has a ridged nose, a protruding mouth, a superstructure of vertical horns, in the middle of which or in front of which is a standing figure or an animal. The ntomo masks with thin mouths underscore the virtue of silence and the importance of controlling one’s speech. During their time in ntomo the boys learn to accept discipline. They do not yet have access to the secret knowledge related to kore and other initiation societies. Members wore a wooden face mask during the initiation festival at harvest time and when begging for rice.
Made of 100% Wood, pigment, seeds, latex, metal.
Model is W 26 – H 54 and weight 2 kg
The Ntomo (also called N’domo) Bamana mask originate from Mali. They were worn by boys as they passed through the early cycle of initiation into manhood. As part of the six initiation societies collectively known as Dyow, the main aim of the initial 5-year long N’tomo Dyo is to prepare uncircumcised boys for adulthood and to educate them about life including farming skills and discipline. The masqueraders wearing the masks, enter the village compound to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. There are two main style groups of their masks. One is characterized by an oval face with four to ten horns in a row on top like a comb, often covered with cowries or dried red berries. The other type has a ridged nose, a protruding mouth, a superstructure of vertical horns, in the middle of which or in front of which is a standing figure or an animal. The ntomo masks with thin mouths underscore the virtue of silence and the importance of controlling one’s speech. During their time in ntomo the boys learn to accept discipline. They do not yet have access to the secret knowledge related to kore and other initiation societies. Members wore a wooden face mask during the initiation festival at harvest time and when begging for rice.
Made of 100% Wood, pigment, seeds, latex, metal.
Model is W 25 – H 61 and weight 2kg
A colorful Bozo zoomorphic mask used for performances in the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.
Made of 100% wood, pigment
Model is W 20 - H 36 and weight 1.9 kg.
This zoomorphic mask represent an animal of the bush that inhabit the regions of the Bozo people of Mali. They create mythical beings for masquerades and performances before hunting and fishing events.The Sogo bò puppet theater is still widespread in the tribal area of Bamana and has entertaining character, often with moral approaches, representing a comprehensive dance and vocal performance. Bozo people live along Niger river and are related to Bamana. They are known as people of the fish as they make their living by fishing.
Made of 100% wood, pigment.
Model is W 23 – H 36 and weight 1.8 kg."