TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:
    Bamana Iron Chiwara

    These forged iron Chiwaras (antelope figures) exhibit the
    technical skill and artistry that Bamana blacksmiths brought
    to their work. They are better known for their wood Chiwara
    headdresses. These headdresses represented the
    mythological half man / half antelope hero who taught man
    how to cultivate the soil. They were danced in pairs and
    celebrate the union of male (sun), female (earth) and fibre
    costume (rain), signifying the cooperation needed for a
    successful harvest and community survival.


Ethnic Group:
    Bamana Society

Country of Origin:  
    Mali

Material:   
    Iron

Dimensions:

Reference: