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N’Tomo Mask

Bamana

Artwork Details

N’Tomo Mask
1900-1970
Bamana
wood, cowrie shells and red seeds
26 3/8 x 7 x 5 13/16 in. (67.0 x 17.8 x 14.9 cm)
Gift of Prof. and Mrs. Horace M. Miner
1983/2.183

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Description

N'tomo society members are uncircumcised. They wear this mask, an insignia of the lowest-ranking of six male association. During initiation, the horns act as iconic forms revealing knowledge and symbols of Bamana myths and culture. Upon circumcision, males enter adulthood and leave N'tomo.

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