Bambara Double- Head mask {Janus mask}

The Bambara  {Bamana} two head masks, often referred to as Janus masks, are rare & important ritual objects originating from the  largest ethnic group within Mali.   The masks feature two faces looking back-to-back enabling them to see in all directions at once.   The purpose of the masks is giving them the ability to looking both at the past as well as the future simultaneously in order to have knowledge of both the physical as well as the spiritual worlds simultaneously. Carved from a single piece of hard wood and metal the mask is dated mid 20th century.

The Bambara mask is displayed on a metal stand