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How were Bambara masks connected to age grades and community societies?
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African art
Raffia-fiber cloth, made by the Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century; in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Among the Bambara people, masks are integral to the structure of six male societies, each serving specific roles related to age grades and community governance.1
- Ntomo: This society is designated for young boys prior to circumcision. Its masks feature vertical projections that symbolize beliefs regarding human creation.1
- Tyiwara: Functioning as an age grade, this society prepares young men for their future roles as husbands and fathers. Its masks, which take the form of an antelope, represent a mythical being that taught humanity how to farm, and they are used in dances to promote agricultural fertility.12
- Komo: As the custodian of tradition, this society oversees community life, including agriculture, judicial processes, and passage rites. Its masks are considered highly powerful and are decorated with materials like animal horns and skulls.1
- Kono: This society is responsible for enforcing civic morality, utilizing elongated masks encrusted with sacrificial materials.1
- Kore: This society challenges immoral authority and hypocrisy through performance, traditionally using animal-themed masks.1