Art of the BamanaImages copyright to the University of Iowa

And

The Art of Africa by Bacquart

Geography

Location: Southern Mali

Languages: Bamana (Mande)

Population: 2 million

Masks

•N’tomo style – With a comb design and cowrie shells.

•Komo style – Round shape with horns.

•Nama – Bird shaped design.

N’tomo

Marked by the comb design and oftendecorated with shells this design is Common in dances and public gatherings.

Komo Style

Used in both dances and in ceremonies.

Some uses are still a mystery and severalExamples have been found fully crusted.

Nama Style

Also used in ceremonies, and oftenOrnate.

Notable Statues

Bambara QueenGuantigui

The most well known of this culture Bambara Queen and Guantigui represent male and Female roles in life and the cosmos.

Both of these styles are common in the area,And likely have personal ties.

Statue Styles

Dyonyeni Female Statue Guantigui Daily life statue

Headdresses in Ceremony

Active Ceremonies