Bidspirit auction | Antique Bamana Chi Wara Mali

Antique Bamana Chi Wara Mali Headdress - West Africa, Mali, Bamana (also Bambara), ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A large and magnificent male Chi Wara (Ci Wara) mask, so skillfully and extensively carved with an intricate composition and marvelous incised embellishments. 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. Size: 40” x 12 1/2” x 4 1/4”. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com. ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS does not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames. After paying for your item/s please call us at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS does not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.