Accession Number1971/2.19
TitleN'tomo Society Initiation Mask
Artist(s)BamanaArtist NationalityBamanaObject Creation Date1900-1970Medium & Supportwood with black incrustationDimensions 15 3/16 in x 5 3/16 in x 8 in (38.5 cm x 13.1 cm x 20.4 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of ArtLabel copyThe 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.
Primary Object Classification Wood and Woodcarving Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
initiation mask