Item Description: This chi wara or tji wara (singular) is a carved stylized antelope, an object used in the Chi Wara association, a Bamana association concerned with initiations. The association, which ranks number five of six graduated initiations, is open to both men and women. However, there are certain rites that are only open to men. There are vertical and horizontal styles of the chi wara or tji wara that come from several regions. Where paired male and female headdresses are used in dance performances during the agricultural cycle to instruct its members in good farming practices, a young antelope (ewe) is depicted on the back of the doe that has straight horns. (Not shown in this example.)

Cultural Profile: The Bamana people are an agrarian group whose natural resources include iron, gold and silver. They reside in an area which was once a great center of trade. Very early their artisans became highly skilled blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters and woodcarvers. Traditionally, their artistic skills supported their area as a popular trade center. Additionally, they developed deep plowing techniques for millet, used irrigation for cotton and other special crops, and cattle for plowing and dairy products using these metals.