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Ntomo Mask
Malinke
20th century, 1950–2000
Object Place: Mali
Medium/Technique
Wood and metal (aluminum alloy)
Dimensions
Overall: 50 x 19 x 12.5 cm (19 11/16 x 7 1/2 x 4 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2674
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsSculpture
Ntomo, a children's association found among the Bamana and their Malinke neighbors, teaches youngsters to behave properly and readies them for adulthood. The members perform with masks that are easily recognizable by their extensions on top and embellishments. This mask with hammered aluminum strips and decorative elements is typical of more recent works produced for both African and foreign patrons.
Inscriptionswhite label inside back printed: "24"
Provenance1990s, sold by Mrs. Sillah (or Silla), Cambridge, MA, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)