Ntomo Face Mask
Bambara · Mali
Reference: MFANT-46
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- Height
- 32 cm
- Material
- Wood, pigments and metal sheets.
N’TomoIt is the masculine spirit that protects children from the male sex before their integration into the adult world and society. It looks after them and…
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Full original description
N’TomoIt is the masculine spirit that protects children from the male sex before their integration into the adult world and society. It looks after them and strengthens their sense of discipline and solidarity.
The Bambara treat their masks as if they were people. They present offerings to them and ritually bury them when they have finished their service.
Masks with human faces represent “Lighthouse“ Creator and guide of the universe. Bambara They think it is Faro who gives men the conscience, the sense of order and the feelings of responsibility. Faro watches over all human work and the justice of men.
A metal sheet in the form of "T" covers eyebrows and nose. Two elongated sheets on the forehead and two blocks on the cheeks. The ma mask wood part features a grid-shaped striation. Dark patina.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Mali. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
