African mask Antique Bambara Mask - Hand Carved Guro Wood Wall Art Collectible-G3498

SIZE(CM): 37.5/15
Antique African Animal Mask - Bambara Mali Tribal Art Collectible This exquisite African animal mask is steeped in the enigmatic traditions of the Bambara people, known for their deep connection to the secrets of the bush. The mask bears a lustrous patina from years of use, with its surface beautifully worn on the corners, showing the authentic marks of age and tradition. Noticeable desiccation cracks narrate its storied past and the spiritual journeys it's symbolized. Residing in central and southern Mali, within the expansive savannah, the Bambara, or "Bamana" — a term coined by surrounding Muslim communities translating to "unbelievers" — proudly belong to the prominent Mande group, sharing cultural ties with the Soninke and the Malinke. Predominantly farmers and breeders, the Bambaras stand as Mali’s largest ethnic group, held together by rich traditions and time-honored practices. Central to Bambara craftsmanship are the artisan groups known as nyamakala, especially the numu, or blacksmiths, who are entrusted with the creation of ritual objects. These items are believed to be imbued with nyama, a mystical energy that bridges the earthly with the spiritual. In addition to crafting, numu play crucial roles in the community as healers and diviners, wielding both fire and mystical artifacts in their sacred practices. This mask, thus, is not merely a decorative piece but a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and magical lore of the Bambara. Its presence in any collection is sure to invoke a sense of Africa’s deep cultural tapestry and spiritual heritage, ideal for admirers of tribal art.