Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tyiwara headcrest

Bamana artistLinkedCulture matchlcp-91bb0f5471c2

Date

first half of 20th century

Medium

Wood, cowrie shells, thread

Culture

Bamana

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Object ID

114035

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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