Discover the cultural heritage of African art through a detailed examination of the Chiwara headdress, from Mali.

The Bambara, a group of six male societies in Mali, have a rich tradition of mask-making. The Tyiwara society, a key focus, uses unique Bambara dance headdresses carved from wood to resemble an antelope, symbolizing the Chiwara spirit.

Other societies include the Ntomo, which features vertical projections for boys before circumcision, the Komo, which is involved in community facets like agriculture and justice, and the Kono, which advocates for civic morality.

The Kore society, which challenges immoral authority and hypocrisy, initially used masks representing animals but now primarily engages in puppet performances.

The Bambara’s ancestor figures and wrought iron sculptures, similar to those of the Dogon, are crafted by blacksmiths, who are considered to possess considerable power and are known for their ability to transform materials from the earth.

Source: Britannica