Mask

Wooden mask of the Bamana people of Mali, dating to the 20th century. Originally, the sculpture was attached to a small cap tied to the dancer’s head and costume. The antelope figure is rendered through essential geometric volumes arranged in a balanced interplay of solid and open forms. The composition is characterized by a strong sense of verticality, emphasized by the long ears and horns projecting upward. The work is part of the Bassani Collection and is housed at the MUDEC – Museum of Cultures in Milan  (inv. AFR 00007 2513A).

Photographs: Paolo Vandrasch, Milan; Giuliano Spagnul, Milan; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy of MUDEC.