Chi Wara

Chi Wara

 Material: Carved wooden antelope headdresses.

Location: Sir Thomas Moore Building

This one are probably the most famous and widely known of all traditional African sculptures. They are worn in ceremonies to celebrate planting, harvesting and agricultural contests. According to Bambara legend it was a supernatural being in the form an antelope that first taught humans to farm. Sometimes these sculptures are very complex and abstract and may have aspects earth furrowing creatures like Aardvarks or Anteaters. They were danced in pairs (male and female). The female usually is portrayed with a baby on her back, representing fertility. The Chi Wara had a tremendous impact on the “modern” artists of the twentieth century.