Maruvian Chi Wara Mask

24"x 30" oil on canvas

This striking painting by Marcella Hayes Muhammad showcases her unique Plasticism style, vividly representing the Antelope Headdresses (Chi Wara) of the Bambara Peoples from Mali. The artwork pays homage to the Chi Wara, a legendary figure revered for imparting agricultural wisdom to the Bambara, symbolizing the connection between culture and nature. Through dynamic abstraction, the piece captures the essence of traditional dance rituals, where performers adorned in antelope headdresses celebrate the harvest, embodying the spirit of abundance and community.