Bamana Bambara NTOMO Antique African Mask w Figure Mali

Old Segou Style Bamana Bambara Ntomo Society Initiation Mask, Male Figure
Antique African Art - Tribal Masque - Mali

Collected from the: Bamana (Bambara) peoples along the Niger in the Segou region of Mali, West Africa
Material: Hardwood, skin oil
Period: Early to mid 20th century
Dimensions: 20" height, 10" width, 5" depth; weight is 2.10 pounds
Condition: Exceptional. From a private Houston collection, exquisite signs of age and wear from authentic tribal use, age cracks test stable, wood displays significant patination. Minute loss of very outer edge of right ear occurred early on, perhaps even during carving, judging by the area's surface condition and patination. Make special note of the surface condition and burnished skin oil patina along interior and outer rim indicative of frequent tribal wear and handling - a superb specimen !

Please to fully appreciate this delightful old masque!