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This is the rating and price for Bamana Marka Or Malinke Seated Female Mali African, Mid/Second half 20th



Description : Additional Information: A wonderful female figure sitting on a stool and carrying a bowl in her hands. This piece is unique and challenging to identify. She's tentatively attributed to the Bamana although it shows traits that related it to the Marka, Boso  ,or the Malinke. , This figure could be a work from Bamana neighbors such as Malinke or Bozo. , The existence of female figures holding bowl  ,among these people is not well-documented. We believe  ,these figures are connected  ,to the  ,annual ceremonies of the Guan Society, and they are quite rare. It is possible that this piece is one the smaller Guan attendant figures, but the simple form makes this somewhat unlikely. The piece is more likely an ancestor figure. Whatever its purpose, it was important to the village, as its form suggests that it may represent an ancestor and was used for offerings! This is an important piece that would hold a prominent place in a collction. The intrinseque qualiy if the piece , its unique style as well as its important in the culture where this sculpture  ,is from . ,The Bamana have made a significant contribution to the popularity of African art. The artistic diversity of the Bamana is without doubt one of the most astounding, and confounding, of all West African groups. It is interesting that perhaps their closest rivals in complexity are their neighbors to the north and east, the Dogon, and Malinke with whom they share certain stylistic similarities. Complex religious, funerary, initiation, and agricultural rites have resulted in an enormous pantheon of ritual objects. The Bamana are known for their headcrests, Ci-Wara and also for their jonyelestatuary. These large statues, usually female, but sometimes hermaphroditic, feature exaggerated volumes, including large conical heads and breasts. They are kept in shrines for most of the year, but are brought out for display and handling at the end of initiations. Couples such as these are rare and probably used for dyo society rituals.The genesis of the Bamana as a definable culture can be traced back to the 17th century, though archaeological evidence hints that they could be much older. They are of Mandinke origin and today are the largest culture in Mali. The zenith of Bamana culture occurred during the late 18th century during the reign of N'golo Diara, who conquered the Peul tribe and occupied the important cities of Timbuktu and Djenne. They remained powerful until conquered by the French in 1892. Recently, like many African cultures, they have been affected by Islamic settlers from the east.Though they continue to consider themselves animists, many Bamana villages now practice a hybrid combination of both religions. This has allowed these competing cultures to coexist peacefully.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, PhD. .  ,
Price: 0.00 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 1000 USD-1200 USD It's free to register now to view!

About the lot N° 74964
Title : Bamana Marka Or Malinke Seated Female Mali African, Period : Mid/Second half 20th
Medium : Wood
Size : 31 inches H. x 6.5 inches W.
Condition report : Good cracks and chips in base, dents in places , traces of red pigment
Africa Direct, auctioneer, Denver, US It's free to register now to view!
Sale title : African Art, Carvings, Masks, Baskets and Beads
Sale date : 25 Sep 2015 It's free to register now to view!
Sale Reference : Live Sale

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