Very old mask from the Ntomo society - Lot 9

Very old mask from the Ntomo society Bambara culture, Mali Hardwood with beautiful black patina and wear H. 28 cm Provenance: Loudmer sale - Loudmer sale, December 9, 1989, lot 102 - André Schoeller Collection, Paris - Cazeau Collection, Paris Bibliography: - Jean-Paul Coleyn, 2001, Bamana, The Art of Existence in Mali Among the Bambara, initiation societies organized rites of passage for age groups, hence their fundamental importance in the social and religious spheres. Despite the early establishment of Islam in the region, they have long preserved their customs and masks. The Ntomo was responsible for the education of young men up to the age of 13, when circumcision ceremonies took place. The Ntomo is the best-known of the Bambara initiation societies, and the beauty of its masks gives it a special reputation in the world of traditional African art. Two square holes for the eyes, a small nipple for the mouth and four fingers on one hand to represent the headdress make the ancient Bambara mask in the Cazeau collection an icon of a certain "minimalism". Its thick black patina testifies to its very long ritual use, and therefore to its primary importance for members of the Ntomo society.