Description

Ntomo is one of many associations historically found in communities identified as Bamana, and its membership has usually consisted of young boys in the process of learning adult responsibilities. Not every Bamana community has always maintained or continues to maintain an Ntomo association, so the phenomenon is neither universal nor timeless (Colleyn 2009: 28). Reasons for staging an Ntomo performance have also varied, and performances have occurred at popular gatherings and other important events (Colleyn 2009: 28). Observers also report that Ntomo performers wear full-body masks, each consisting of a wooden face mask and cloth outfit.

The sculptor of this face mask created an abstracted human-like face distinguished by its ovoid forehead, angular nose, and pointed chin. The roundness of the eyeholes contrast with the rectangular eyebrows above them. The straightness of the six vertical spikes rising from the head differ from the curving neck and angular head of the antelope form in front of them.