Early 20th century
Wood and fiber
85.5 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Roosendaal, 1970
By descent
Exhibitions
BRAFA Art Fair, Brussels, 2025
Parcours des Mondes, Paris, 2024
Bamana art and agricultural symbolism
The Chi Wara headdress is one of the most iconic expressions of African Art from Mali, deeply connected to agriculture and community life.
These sculptures celebrate the importance of farming and the harmony between human beings and nature.
The meaning of Chi Wara headdresses
Headdresses were worn by dancers during agricultural ceremonies linked to planting and harvest.
Male figures represent the sun, while female figures symbolize the earth. Water, the third essential element, is evoked through the fiber costumes worn by dancers.
Together, they embody the antelope spirit, a mythical figure credited with teaching agriculture to humanity.
Form and composition
This example stands out for its elegance and dynamism, depicting a female figure with her child.
The elongated neck, curved lines and upright horns convey grace, balance and vitality.
Abstraction and form
As in Bamana tradition, representation is not naturalistic but based on geometric abstraction and formal clarity.
The clean surfaces and refined details highlight the artistic skill behind the work.
Ritual function and collecting
Through dance and ritual presence, these headdresses transmitted symbolic energy to ensure agricultural success.
Today, Chi Wara sculptures are among the most appreciated forms of African Art in international collections.
