Malian Artist, Tyi Wara Sculpture, Wood, 1890s

Tyi Wara crest, wood with light brown patina, metal ringed ornaments, representing a female antelope and her fawn carried on her back. The long, sinuous neck gently flares inward. It supports a slender, straight head engraved with geometric motifs. The twisted horns are vertical, pointing skywards, underlining the idea of growth that underlies all Tyi wara statuary. The crest was attached to the head of dancers who roamed the fields to warn of danger and ward off evil spirits. Mali, Bambara, late 19th/early 20th century. Provenance: Estate of art dealer and collector Claude de Marteau. H 106 cm x W 37 cm x D 7.5 cm