Bamana Boli Figure

Mali

Early 20th c

12 inches long x 5 1/2 inches wide x 10 inches high

Ex: Los Angeles, CA collection

SOLD

Boli figures represent creatures such as buffalo or hippopotamuses that are fully rounded.  They are made of a wooden armature and assemblage of organic elements such as roots, bark, leaves, millet, chewed kola nuts, beer  and are coated with mud and clay. This Bamana Boli was used as a portable altar of power.  Ritual sacrifices were made which worked positively as protection or caused a negative harmful effect.