Fly Mask from Africa

This highly decorated fly mask is made from leather with coloured panels on the brow band sporting the cross which is the emblem of Mali. It is made by the Bamana people.

The purple, yellow and green make it very decorative. The back fixing is plaited and has a decorative toggle which can be undone to attach it around the head of the horse. The work is not as fine as the woven leather reins but it is well made and in good condition.

17” (43cm) in length, 18” (46 cm) around the brow piece, the back tassels, 7” (18cm)

Provenance: purchased from Harvey Derrien by private collector 2003 approx value £85