Chi-wara, Headdress

Bamana, Mali
Early 20th c.

Provenance: Unter Family collection

This head crest was worn by the Bamana people of Mali, during ritual dances. These head crests represent the spirit of Chi-Wara, a mythical being who is part human and part antelope. In the Bamana language, “Chi-Wara” means “excellent farmer” or “wild farming animal.” The Chi-Wara taught humans how to farm the land but left after humans became careless and wasteful. The Bamana people created the Chi-Wara head crests and dance to commemorate the gift of the Chi-Wara spirit.

Bamana men wear the head crests and perform the Chi-Wara dance during planting and harvest times. These crests are attached to wicker caps and worn atop the head, accompanied by a full-body costume made of raffia that represents water. The dancers make leaping and ground-pawing motions, imitating antelopes. This particular example combines antelope features with those of other animals significant to Bamana culture, such as the earth-digging aardvark and the armored pangolin. These animals are observed in nature to excel in actions critical to the success of farming and, therefore, to Bamana life. This head crest is in very good condition and exhibits a varied brown patina from repeated use.

Length: 23 ½ in / 59.7 cm