A Bamana well carved antelope headcrest Chi-wara from the Bamana people circa 1950 or older This is a good example of Chi-wara masks with its cap and showing signs of use and good age. 29" h by 8" w by 7.25 a must for anyone's collection The purpose of the Chi-wara society is to pay homage to successful farmers. Their rituals recall the legend of the mythic animal that could be (according to different regions) a roan antelope (Hippotragus Leucophaeus) or anteater, a pangolin (Manis temmincki) and a python or a mythic half man, half-animal creature called Ci-wara, who introduced agriculture to men. The Bamana people honor successful farmers through performances involving the appearances of the antelope masks like this carved wood crest mask.