abstract animal shape; four legs; lozenge-shaped body; long horns and long pointed ears; one cowrie shell hanging from element on animal's forehead; maroon thread tassels at ends of ears; black patina; attached to dark wood base

Tyiwara headcrest, first half of 20th century

Bamanaexpand_more

Wood, cowrie shells, threadexpand_more

The Marguertie S. McNally Endowment for Art Acquisitionexpand_more  2012.25

On View in Gallery 250expand_more

A Tyiwara headcrest should be seen in profile to appreciate the sculptor’s visual imagination: the dynamic beauty of the design, the balance of its elements. Like the Greek chimera, the Tyiwara is a composite creature, its features drawn from the antelope, pangolin, and aardvark, a mythical animal that taught humans how to farm. When used in agricultural ceremonies, the crest is mounted on a dancer’s braided hat.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back back
Details
Title
Tyiwara headcrest
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2012.25
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

800px

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

abstract animal shape; four legs; lozenge-shaped body; long horns and long pointed ears; one cowrie shell hanging from element on animal's forehead; maroon thread tassels at ends of ears; black patina; attached to dark wood base

Error loading high resolution image. Report this problem.