Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tyiwara headcrest

Bamana artist

Date

first half of 20th century

Medium

Wood, cowrie shells, thread

Culture

Bamana

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A Tyiwara headcrest should be seen in profile to appreciate the sculptor’s visual imagination: the dynamic beauty of the design, the balance of its elements. Like the Greek chimera, the Tyiwara is a composite creature, its features drawn from the antelope, pangolin, and aardvark, a mythical animal that taught humans how to farm. When used in agricultural ceremonies, the crest is mounted on a dancer’s braided hat. Bamana, Mali, Africa

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