Bamana Zoomorphic Headdress, Mali

The Bamana people of Mali have produced zoomorphic headdresses, known as ci wara, for centuries as part of a rich agricultural ceremonial tradition. These sculptural works, typically carved from wood and depicting stylized antelopes or hybrid animal forms, were worn during ritual dances to honor the mythical being who taught humans to farm. Regarded as among the most iconic examples of West African art, they are held in major museum collections and command significant prices at international auction houses.