**This is an oversized piece that may require special shipping. Please inquire for a quote prior to bidding.West Africa, Mali, Bamana (also Bambara), ca. early 20th century CE. A fantastic example of a Chiwara (also Chi Wara, Ci Wara) headdress depicting a tall antelope standing with attenuated legs atop an integral rectangular plinth. The zoomorphic creature features a slender body with an upturned tail, a craned neck, and curving rows filled with zigzagging bars all stamped with dense, repeating triangular motifs. The elongated ungulate face is lined with red felt and copper panels adorned with repousse stippling, and a majestic pair of spiraling horns rise above the head and terminate with slightly curved tips. The carved wooden antelope is secured to a domed rattan hat via strands of jute. A fascinating headdress from the Bamana peoples! Size: 7" W x 39.5" H (17.8 cm x 100.3 cm)Often described as an antelope, the Chi Wara is actually a composite animal - part antelope, part aardvark, and part pangolin. All of these animals are creatures that dig up the earth; while antelopes carve the ground with their hooves, the aardvark and pangolin use their claws to excavate termite mounds. This communion with the earth makes them ideal components of the Chi Wara, the supernatural being believed to have taught the Bamana people how to farm.Historically, such masks were worn by male and female pairs in a dance performance that praised skilled farmers. The creator of this particular mask emphasized the elongated body of a roan antelope; the vertical horns resemble those of both the roan and oryx antelopes and are also said to resemble millet stalks. The body, with its big ears and short legs, suggests the aardvark, while the incised surfaces suggest the scales of the pangolin. The dancer for whom such masks are intended, traditionally wears raffia stalks that symbolize flowing water as well as a fruitful harvest. The zig-zag motifs reference the sun's movement across the sky. A bold and breathtaking mask that demonstrates a high level of skill with its expert carving and overall beautiful composition. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Thomas McNemar collection, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #163561