An interesting, old mask of the Bambara, which is used in the initiation ceremonies of the ‘N’tomo society’, the first of the six ‘age groups’ in the Bambara community. This ‘N’tomo mask’ is carved from light-coloured, hard wood with the typical seven tips facing upwards and two tips on the cheeks facing downwards. A special feature: the entire mask is coated with brass sheet metal. The sheet metal clearly contains a high percentage of copper (‘verdigris’). The metal coating of the present Bambara mask is reminiscent of the masks covered in brass sheet metal of the Marka, a neighbouring tribe of the Bambara. In the present mask, with its large, lowered eyelids and elongated nose, the wood in visible only on the surface of the mouthpiece, with a manifestly old shiny patina. The hanging on the back of the mask is original and consists of white and indigo dyed cotton fabric, adorned with white and red tassels. The hanging was intended for hiding the back of the masked dancer’s head. Overall a very good piece with old usage patina. In good condition, with hardly any age damage and very rare in this form (with metal fitting)! First half of the 20th century; H: 35 cm. (ME)