Ntomo mask – Wood – Bambara – Mali

Old wooden Bambana mask from Mali. This N’tomo mask is a real sculpture achievement because it is made from a single piece of wood, without assembly.
It is used during initiation rites undergone by the young boys, allowing them to reach the secret society N’ Tomo. This one is a part of six secret societies which they can enter from the age of seven years.
Good condition with a nice aged patina.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.