Image: African Carving E76228

African Carving E76228

Wooden carving of antelope, an artistic reference to Chi Wara mask, Bambara people, Mali.

Antelope carvings feature in masks and headdresses of the Bambara and Kurumba People in Mali. The antelope is representative of Chi Wara, a ‘farming beast’. The zigzag body pattern represents the pattern of the sun between the summer and winter solstice and the grass decoration on the base signifies water. Both motifs are essential elements for a successful harvest.

Carl Bento
© Australian Museum

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