Mask | Chi Wara

It is a chi wara mask of the Segou Miniaka type of the eastern Bamana region with vertical straight horns, which are supposed to symbolise millet spikes. It depicts an oryx antelope (Oryx beisa) carrying a female fawn on its back. In the dances, this antelope serves as a template for the representation of the female animal, while the male is represented by the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus). The chi wara mask dance is closely associated with traditional methods of working in the fields, using the broad hoe and in collaborative teams. It is only practised in a few villages nowadays. This situation is the result of an exodus of young men from rural areas, the advance of Islam, the increasing use ploughs to cultivate the land and the art trade.