Description:

Mali, Malinke/Bamana peoples, early 20th century CE. A wooden puppet with nice proportions; this once would have had articulated arms that swung at its sides. It has well-shaped features and the distinctive heavy brow of other Bamana human representations, with a pronounced nose and large ears. It may once have had hair made of raffia or some other perishable material, and was probably painted bright colors. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3.5" W x 31" H (8.9 cm x 78.7 cm)

This puppet was made to play a role in the Sogo bo, a puppet masquerade drama that focuses on domestic relationships between men, women, and each other in polygamous households. Conflict among wives is a common theme and two of the main characters are the Favorite Wife and the Bad Wife. This figure may have been made to portray one of those.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#118412

  • Condition: Some surface cracking and signs of wear.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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