The female sculpted figures are used in fertility cults which ensured the fertility of women in the society. The Chiwara masks are worn during ritual dances before tilting and planting are done on the land. It is believed by the people that it was the antelope that taught them how to cultivate grain. Therefore the antelope is viewed as sacred among the people. During harvest and puberty rites where the fertility of the land and women is earnestly sought, the dancers wear the Chiwara mask or headdress. Their dance movements, leaps, and vibrations reflect that of an antelope. This symbolic dance symbolizes the magical relationship of the antelope to fertility among the Bambara.
Less propagation and exhibition of the culture of the Bambaras would have been made if it was not through art. Therefore, art, must be highly considered and incorporated into the developmental agenda of communities and nations.
[ad_2]The Bambara ethnic society is located in the central part of Mali. The Bambara cultivate the land for sustenance. The main occupation there is farming. The people engage in agricultural activities like the planting and cultivation of corn and other cereals. A section of the people also engages in pastoral farming. Some few selected people […]