SUMAS Permanent Collection

  Chiwara Chiwara refers to a mythical half-human, half-antelope creature in Bambara mythology, who is believed to have taught humans how to farm. The Bambara people of Mali use Chiwara masks, dance, and rituals, particularly during agricultural cycles, to honor this mythical figure and the gift of farming. Mythological Figure: Chiwara is a central figure in Bambara mythology, representing the spirit that taught humans the art of agriculture. Agricultural Importance: The Chiwara is revered for its role in introducing farming to the Bamana people, allowing them to establish a settled life. Symbolic Representation: Chiwara headdresses, often worn in dances, feature antelope forms, symbolizing the creature's role in agriculture and fertility. Ritual and Dance: The Chiwara dance is a vital part of Bambara ceremonies, particularly during planting and harvesting, to ensure a good harvest and to honor Chiwara. Social Value: The Chiwara initiation society uses Chiwara m...

  Benin Brass Warrior Statue The bronzes of Benin boast a rich and storied history, with casting techniques believed to date back as early as the 13th century. Commonly referred to as the "Benin Bronzes," these remarkable bronze warrior statues were commissioned by the royal court of the Benin Kingdom. They served to commemorate important figures, document historical events, and glorify the power and divine authority of the Oba (king). As such, they functioned as powerful visual records of the kingdom’s history, wealth, and military strength. Created by highly skilled specialist guilds under royal patronage, these sculptures often depict warriors and royal attendants adorned in elaborate regalia. The figures are frequently shown wielding ceremonial swords, bearing shields, and wearing richly detailed garments and accessories. Elaborate Regalia: Warriors are often shown wearing elaborate clothing, jewelry, and regalia, including leopard-tooth necklaces, coral-studded helme...

Dogon Female Figure Dogon art, particularly the standing male and female figures, often depicts primordial ancestors or ideal social units, with the male figure sometimes shown as a protector and the female as a nurturer, often with a child, reflecting their complementary roles in Dogon society. Primordial Ancestors: Male and female couples are a common theme, suggesting the primordial ancestors to whom all Dogon people trace their origins. Ideal Social Unit: The sculptures, particularly seated or standing couples, represent the culture's concept of an ideal social unit, with the male often shown as a protector and provider, and the female as a nurturer. Dogon Religion: The Dogon have a complex mythology and believe in a pantheon of spirits and supernatural beings, with sculptures serving as intermediaries between the world of the living and that of the spirits. Rituals and Ceremonies: These statues are frequently used in rituals and religious ceremonies. Dogon Mask...

  Yoruba Olumeye Yoruba sculptors carved a variety of wooden containers that were used in domestic or ritual practices. One such bowl is the olumeye, named for the female figure, "one who knows honor," that serves as a messenger to the spirits. The Yoruba have traditionally offered kola nuts to guests in a domestic hospitality ritual or to the deities in the context of religious worship. While gourd containers served these purposes for most people, honored visitors to the palace or other prestigious residences were served from elaborately decorated wooden bowls. The containers are called olumeye in reference to the kneeling female figure holding the bowl. The word means "she who brings honor," and the figure celebrates Yoruba aesthetic ideals of feminine beauty. Olowe of Ise (Yoruba: Ọlọ́wẹ̀ of Ìsẹ̀ ) is considered by Western art historians and collectors to be one of the most important 20th century artists of the Yoruba people of what is today Nigeria. He was a w...

  The Baga Nimba Mask The Baga Nimba (or D'mba) mask, a shoulder-supported headdress, is a prominent Baga cultural symbol representing fertility, abundance, and the nurturing woman, often worn by male dancers during ceremonies and celebrations. The mask depicts a woman at the height of her power – fertile, intelligent, and pure of heart. Her breasts are full but pendulant; she is a mother who has nursed her children who are now grown. The Baga, Nimba mask is associated with female leadership and normally appeared during harvest festivals, and other village ceremonies or celebrations, and also was worn during weddings. The dancer was traditionally showered with libations of harvested rice. The performance of this mask celebrated and ensured the earth’s fertility and fecundity. The mask is depicted as a shoulder supported headdress that the performer would have carried over his head. The mask would have been decorated with European upholstery tacks and raffia that would have complete...

The Dan lü me Statues The Dan produce large naturalistic wooden female figures called lü me, "wooden person." These are neither ancestor figures nor representations of spirits, but are intended to be portraits of living people, whose names the figures bear. The characteristics of the carved figure may correspond very closely to the features of the individual. The sculptures are conceived of as portraits of the women they depict, although this and other examples suggest an overarching emphasis on established Dan ideals of feminine beauty. A chief or awealthy man may commission a portrait of his senior or preferred wife, sometimes with a child on her back. The owner of such an object acquires prestige when he gives a large feast at the public unveiling of the figure. Such a figure may be stored in a miniature hut built expressly for it, to be brought out only for important guests. The hairstyle is typical of the Nquäa Dan who live in the border area between the Dan and the west...

Chameleon Mask  Bwa and Nuna Chameleon Mask   The Bwa and Nuna are distinct but related ethnic groups in Burkina Faso, known for their traditional masks and beliefs, particularly their connection to nature spirits and the use of masks in rituals and ceremonies. The chameleon, due to its capacity to physically mutate in nature and adapt to its surroundings, is an important symbol of wisdom. Among certain Voltaic ethnic groups, patterns of geometric lines colored red white and black, communicate important spiritual messages. Voltaic ethnic groups, also known as Gur, are a major cultural group in West Africa. Voltaic peoples are concentrated in Burkina Faso, with significant populations also in northern Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and parts of Mali. Bwa and Nuna Map The Bwa People: Primarily live in the dry savannah land of central Burkina Faso. Traditional Masks: Known for their use of traditional tribal masks, including tall plank masks (nwantantay) made of wood. Southern...

  The Baule  Monkey In Baule culture, "Mbra" monkey figures are powerful, secret sculptures used by diviners and men's associations for protection, often kept hidden in the bush and considered dangerous to women. These monkey-like sculptures, sometimes referred to as "Gbekre," are considered powerful figures used in rituals and divination. Purpose and Significance: They are used for divination and spiritual protection of families and larger social units. They are owned by trance diviners and certain families and kept hidden outside under a shelter. They are believed to be dangerous to women and are kept secret. They are associated with the bush and receive sacrificial offerings directly on the sculpture. Appearance: These sculptures are usually no more than two feet tall, with a square muzzle, pointed teeth, and cupped hands held in front of the body. Some even grasp a cup, and they are always male and typically wear a loincloth made of actual fabric. ...