Mask | Chi Wara

This is a chi wara or sogo-ni-kun mask with vertical, slightly curved horns, small straight ears and stylised, narrow head. The shape of the horns indicates that it is a roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus). The highly abstract type depicted here is characteristic of the Bougouni region in south- western Bamana area. The sogo-ni-kun mask dance originated there. Chi wara as well as Sogo-ni- kun are bands of young men who perform mask dances at competitions held whilst working in the field. The masks sit on a cap made of plant fibres, cotton or straw, partly decorated with cowries, as in this piece. The wearers of the masks are wrapped in a jacket made of long, black, shaggy plant fibres.