Accession Number
1983/2.183

Title
N'Tomo Mask

Artist(s)
Bamana

Artist Nationality
Bamana

Object Creation Date
1900-1970

Medium & Support
wood, cowrie shells and red seeds

Dimensions
26 3/8 in x 7 in x 5 7/8 in (67 cm x 17.8 cm x 14.9 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Prof. and Mrs. Horace M. Miner

Label copy
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.

Primary Object Classification
Wood and Woodcarving

Primary Object Type
mask

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
Bamana
cowrie shell
masks
masks (costume)
woodwork