A Wonderful carved and painted wooden helmet mask from the Bamana peoples, Mali, Africa. This mask represents Sigi, the aggressive Male buffalo, who would dance alongside of the Chiwara at agricultural events, the mask would serve as a metaphor for the strong young men who work the fields, and the aggressive unpredictable temper of the male buffalo. The mask is adorned with a crocodile on its head as well as two male hunters with rifles, and women winnowing the grains in the fields. The mask has articulated ears, mouth and tail of the crocodile, as well as the hunters arms and rifles, and the women's arms and trays, several controlled by strings in the mask. The mask measures 40 inches. Provenance: The Dr Peter & Sue Rosen collection, ; PUBLISHED on pages 112 and 113 in the book " The colorful Sogo Puppets of Mali" By Dr and Mrs Rosen. Ex Dr Brian Healy estate, New York.

fair, weathered, repair to one ear