- 10
Bamana Antelope Headdress (n'gonzon koun), Mali
Description
- wood, glass beads, cloth
- Height: 18 3/4 in (47.6 cm)
Provenance
Raymond E. Britt, Chicago, acquired from the above in May 1979
By descent through the family
Sotheby's, New York, November 11, 2005, lot 34, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
She continues (ibid: 110): "Headdresses of this kind are distinctive for their formal qualities as well as for their idiosyncratic construction. All other related Bamana sculptural genres are monoxylic (carved from a single piece of wood), but these works are invariably carved as two separate units - the head and the body - which are subsequently joined together with iron staples, U-shaped nails, or metal or leather collars attached with nails [as seen in the present headdress]. Zahan proposes that because this bipartite approach was not the result of technical necessity, it reflects an underlying symbolic intention, perhaps related to the idea of unifying two separate elements into a coherent and balanced design."
The Kunin n'gonzon koun is one of a small number of examples which feature a standing human figure atop the head or horns of the antelope. The chi wara masquerades in which such headdresses were used often emphasized male-female duality; the present example is notable in that while the figure is female, the antelope is male.