Bamana (Bambara) Ntomo Masks are amongst the most interesting of the Bambara people. Ntomo is an association found in Bamana communities usually focused on learning about adult responsibilities. There are six male initiation societies that young males must go through before becoming a man. N'tomo Dyo is the first of these through which boys pass before their circumcision. The mask represents the legendary ancestor of the Bambara and it is a symbol of protection. The mask is made of wood and may be covered in shells, seeds or brass. The face may be more or less abstract, but is always topped by a row of vertical projections. The number of spikes indicates whether the mask is masculine, feminine or androgynous. Three, six or nine are male; four and eight are female; and two, five and seven are androgynous. The mask was also used at agricultural festivities and to prevent illness.
Most African masks that were taken from the continent are now in the homes of private collectors and museums. The descendants of these mask makers do not have the privilege of seeing what their ancestors carved. Even though the masks were aesthetically appealing, they were functional to the tribes that used them.
African masks represent ideas that are still relevant today. I am making the most rare and most expensive masks available to new collectors in 3D. 50% of Proceeds will be contributed in setting up an Innovation Hub, in Ghana. This Innovation Hub will be a place where young creatives who are the descendants of these mask makers will come to, to develop their ideas and bring them to fruition using technology. Creatives will receive training material to develop their talents and creative abilities.
BAMANA N'TOMO MASK
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BAMANA N'TOMO MASK
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Bamana (Bambara) Ntomo Masks are amongst the most interesting of the Bambara people. Ntomo is an association found in Bamana communities usually focused on learning about adult responsibilities. There are six male initiation societies that young males must go through before becoming a man. N'tomo Dyo is the first of these through which boys pass before their circumcision. The mask represents the legendary ancestor of the Bambara and it is a symbol of protection. The mask is made of wood and may be covered in shells, seeds or brass. The face may be more or less abstract, but is always topped by a row of vertical projections. The number of spikes indicates whether the mask is masculine, feminine or androgynous. Three, six or nine are male; four and eight are female; and two, five and seven are androgynous. The mask was also used at agricultural festivities and to prevent illness.
Most African masks that were taken from the continent are now in the homes of private collectors and museums. The descendants of these mask makers do not have the privilege of seeing what their ancestors carved. Even though the masks were aesthetically appealing, they were functional to the tribes that used them.
African masks represent ideas that are still relevant today. I am making the most rare and most expensive masks available to new collectors in 3D. 50% of Proceeds will be contributed in setting up an Innovation Hub, in Ghana. This Innovation Hub will be a place where young creatives who are the descendants of these mask makers will come to, to develop their ideas and bring them to fruition using technology. Creatives will receive training material to develop their talents and creative abilities.
- Sales
- Transfers