Native American Artifacts & Hot Wheels
Lot 391:
Vintage Hand Carved Bozo Bambara Mask or Helmet w/ Metal Accents
Vintage Hand Carved Bozo Bambara Mask/Helmet w/ Metal Accents. Masterfully hand crafted from a single chunk of wood this helmet is in excellent condition with no wood repairs noticed. The face, and horn like hat on the head are accented with hand fabricated bronze/copper metal. Dued tufts of cloth and beads further adorn this piece. The base of the helmet shows off the hand chiseling done by the maker to hollow out the helm. A nice piece of Functional Tribal Art from West Africa. The Bozo (Bambara) are a Mande ethnic group located predominantly along the Niger River in Mali. The mask/helmet is made and worn each year during the harvest masquerade that is centered in the region around the Bamana city of Segou. This is a long tradition found in that area. Performed today by the young men of the region it was first adapted from the Bozo people living along the Niger River. Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups, sing, dance, drum, and manipulate puppets in creating performances called Sogo Bo. Though considered to be a form of entertainment the performances are directed towards a description of the moral universe. This helmet measures approximately 30" tall and 8 " diameter at the base.
Condition: Ancient Authentic
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