Shop a rare vintage Bamana Chi Wara double antelope headdress from Mali. Beautifully carved dark hardwood with trade bead accents. Ideal tribal art centerpiece.
Vintage Bamana Double Chi Wara Antelope Headdress – Mali
$495.00
Description
Add a unique and deeply symbolic masterpiece to your collection with this vintage double-headed Chi Wara(Ci Wara) dance crest, expertly hand-carved by the Bamana (Bambara) people of Mali.
While classic West African Chi Wara sculptures typically represent a singular vertical male or female antelope, this rare variation portrays a pair of stylized twin antelopes gracefully emerging from a shared architectural pedestal. In Bamana agricultural traditions, these crests represent the spirit that taught humanity farming, and are danced to invoke fertility and abundance for the community’s crops.
The dark indigenous hardwood features striking geometric cross-hatch carvings accentuating the slender snouts and long, vertical horns. The horn tips are traditionally bound with wire, and the neck base is accented with a delicate strand of vibrant yellow glass trade beads. A beautifully balanced and historically rich piece of African tribal art.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Due to the age and the delicate nature of this piece and of any mixed-media elements it carries (organic fibres, leather, pigment, beadwork or horn attachments), it will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.
Care & Preservation Guidelines
To preserve the authentic patina and the structural integrity of this piece, please observe the following care instructions:
- Display Location: Keep the piece out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged wood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
- Climate Control: Place it away from the direct path of heating vents, air conditioners or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords, leather and fibre attachments.
- Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfibre cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the crevices and any applied ornaments.
Additional information
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