Details
ITEM #:
55003
ETHNICITY:
Bamana
ORIGIN:
Mali
MEDIUM:
Wood, Pigment
DIMENSIONS:
17.5″ (44.45 cm) Tall.
CONDITION:
Very Good
PROVENANCE:
Jean Pierre Hallet Estate Collection – California, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
Derived from the sogow tradition, initiated by the bozo fishermen and then adopted by the Bamana in the 19th century, the Bamana Merekun Marionette type of puppet was used in shows organized under the auspices of the young villagers Ségou. A series of silent numbers, rhythmic percussion and songs interspersed with interludes of music and dance make up these manifestations. Addressing topics related to the life of the Bamana, these shows respond to the contemporary concerns of the public to whom they are addressed.
Distinguished by a pronounced polychromy as well as a duality of materials, this Janus puppet is a remarkable testimony to the Bamana tradition. Its slender features, characteristic of bamana statuary, highlight the finesse of its design
