Bullroarer

This bullroarer was collected by Polly Richards in Ireli in the Sanga arrondissement of Mali in 2000. She provided the following information: This example is a miniature reproduction of a ritual instrument. The name 'imina ne' means 'the great mask' or 'the mother of masks'. It is played on the following occasions: (1) At the funerary rituals of men who have died who are 'amongst the masks' (on such occasions the player stands on the flat roof of the hut of the deceased). (2) During the 'Dama' night time ritual as a warning to women and passers-by that masks are out, and to stay away or keep indoors. (3) During the Sigi ritual, where it is played by the olubaru whilst undergoing their three month initiation in the bush. In all cases, the instrument is used to play three-note groups, the first two short and high, the last long and slow. This relates to the symbolic importance of the number three to represent men and many of the rites and movements concerning masks and men occur thrice.