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N’tomo Society Initiation Mask

Bamana

Artwork Details

N’tomo Society Initiation Mask
1900-1970
Bamana
wood with black incrustation
15 3/16 in x 5 3/16 in x 8 in (38.5 cm x 13.1 cm x 20.4 cm)
Museum purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of Art
1971/2.19

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Description

The N'Tomo Society organizes much of the life of boys in the village until the time of circumcision. The chief N'Tomo festival, or circumcision rite, takes place at harvest time. The society furnishes protection against bad spirits and sickness, as well as serving the function of a regulatory agency in judging disputes and assigning agricultural work. There are two major types of N'Tomo Society masks: this, with 4-10 horns on top, and one with horns as well as a standing figure or animal.

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