BAMANA BOLI FIGURE
West Africa, Mali, abstract zoomorphic form, 16"h; 18.5"w
Bamana secret initiation association power object.
These figures were used by the Bamana secret initiation associations and contain huge quantities of energy (nyama) that can be activated by the association priests and members to help accomplish goals (such as destroying anti-social sorcerers). The surfaces are hard, with thick coatings of earth, impregnated with sacrificial materials, such as the blood of chickens or goats, chewed and expectorated kola nuts, alcoholic beverages and millet. Both surfaces and interiors are created by enacting a complex array of the power recipes called daliluw with the result that these objects are considered to be among the most potent of all Mande sculptures.
Old encrusted and varied patina.
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Realized: $750 - Excluding Buyer's Premium
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Lot 483 : BAMANA BOLI FIGURE
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