Western Africa, Mali, Bamana peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. Perhaps the oldest and most important Ntomo masks we have ever handled, carved from hardwood and presenting a wonderful visage that is densely adorned with rows of cowrie shells and with petite ruby red abrus seeds to accentuate the presentation. The generally oval shape of the face and the appearance of horns or spikes above constitute and aesthetic that is distinct to Ntomo masks. Size: 8.375" W x 26.25" H (21.3 cm x 66.7 cm)

According to Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi, Assistant Professor of Art History, Emory University, "Ntomo is one of many associations historically found in communities identified as Bamana, and its membership has usually consisted of young boys in the process of learning adult responsibilities. Not every Bamana community has always maintained or continues to maintain an Ntomo association, so the phenomenon is neither universal nor timeless (Colleyn 2009: 28). Reasons for staging a Ntomo performance have also varied, and performances have occurred at popular gatherings and other important events (Colleyn 2009: 28). Observers also report that Ntomo performers wear full-body masks, each consisting of a wooden face mask and cloth outfit." (Metropolitan Museum of Art website, 2016)

For another example of a Ntomo mask covered in cowrie snail shells, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1978.412.368.

Provenance: ex-private Dr. Peter Horvath collection, Massachusetts and Florida, USA; purportedly Duke University Art Museum, deaccessioned, 1970s

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#156720

Showing losses and wear, with light encrustations, otherwise in excellent condition with heavy patina from decades of use.