I thought this photo of two Chi Wara headdresses, both male and female versions danced by the Bamana people of Mali, was something many of you would like to see. The photo comes from the collection at Virginia Union University and was part of an excellent string of emails on the African_Arts@yahoogroups.com titled “Do authentic Chi Wara headdresses ever include applied metal strips?” Two things are accomplished by this.
-
-
Art from the forests and mountains
Q: I just bought this Austrian Mask for a great price. Its not the 3rd or 4th German/Austrian mask that I’ve owned, that is carved in detail, carved to ergonomically be worn (such as the nose recess), yet has no holes, strings, or otherwise showing that its been used or was ever going to be used. Do you know why that is? Are they art first and wearable masks second? Left to the owner to attach strings themselves? I find that odd. Nathan, 654 A: Folk masks have been carved in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Northern Italy and Austria for many centuries.
-
Maybe old and used
Q: I am fascinated by old items, but have no interest in commercial masks. This mask was found in an old explorer/adventurer estate auction. He had been traveling Africa on digs in the 50’s. I have little or no idea of the origin or age, but is sure it is not commercial, but an original. 653 A: Based on the three beautiful photos you sent in I think there may be some collector interest in this mask.
-
Emit mask from Thailand
Q: Here is the latest Ermit mask I found and it is probably the best one I got so far . Comes from the personal home shrine of a Thai person I met. It’s very funny how nobody pays attention to these particular masks. Most antique dealers here focus on traditional dance Khon masks but not on Ermit masks which happen to be more interesting and more powerful because they are still used in Shamanist-Brahmanist ceremonies. Feel free to use the pic for your book if you want. Cheers , Stephff, 652 A: Thanks for your help.
