African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"In Cultural Perspective"
Circumcision Mask
- country: Mali
- people: Bambara
- medium: wood, mirrors, cowrie shells, raffia
- size: 24x13x4 inches
- price: $2,000.
- inventory #: rpg0033
This very fine, museum-quality mask was worn by the official of the boys' initiation school, who was responsible for performing circumcisions of the newly initiated boys. The ceremonies took place when the boys reached the age of thirteen.