Elongated Face Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.6.
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Title
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Elongated Face Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Bamana
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|West Africa
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Country
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Mali
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Patinated wood, beads, cowrie shells
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Format
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H x W x D: 21 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in x 6 3/4 in (54.61 cm x 13.97 cm x 17.145 cm)
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Description
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The N'tomo mask pictures a young man with an elongated face and an antelope stemming from the forehead. Young men danced with the N'tomo mask during one of their initiation ceremonies, as a part of their transition into adulthood. The image of the antelope is mean to encourage skill in farming. Some other N'tomo masks depict female figures alongside the antelope to encourage a young man's success in courting as well. The mask is decorated with thinly incised lines signifying scarification patterns. The eyes of the antelope and other elements of the mask are enhanced by red beads. Cowrie shells line the prong-like shape behind the antelope.
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Type
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Face Mask
