superb fish puppet - Bozo - Mali (No reserve price)

Fish puppet - Bozo - Mali
Animals in traditional African art.
In African art, the Bozo constitute a specific group with only limited affinities with the surrounding populations, which are insufficient to fully assimilate them. It is wrong to classify the Bozo as caste people in the full sense of the term, because, of noble origin and having become emigrants following the decline of the Ghana Empire, of which they were part, they chose to be fishermen. Having found themselves at the end of their wandering along the banks of the Niger, they then began exploiting the resources of this river to sustain themselves. Gradually improving their techniques, they ultimately made fishing their main activity, to which they added a near-monopoly on boat transport. Thus, they became the 'masters of the water.'

Then, borrowing some customs from the aborigines of the places where they settled, they combined them with those they had brought from their homeland, thus creating distinct traditions to a large extent from those of the major ethnic groups. In the Mopti region, just west of the Dogon country and above the Bambara, the Bozo constitute a very specific group. They have so little affinity with the surrounding populations that it would not be reasonable to fully assimilate them to these groups. Formerly organized into groups forming a society that granted powers to a kind of nobility, which emigrated after the decline of the Ghana Empire in the 11th century, of which they were part, the Bozo became fishermen; having found themselves at the end of their wandering along the Niger River, they then began exploiting the resources of this watercourse primarily for subsistence. Over time, as their techniques improved, fishing became their main activity. Through navigation on the river, they added to their livelihood the near-monopoly of boat transport. Thus, the Bozo are said to be 'masters of the water'.

Meanwhile, by borrowing from the aborigines the places where they settled some of their customs, they combined them with those they had brought from their homeland. This explains the significant distinction of their traditions from those of the major ethnic groups surrounding them. Notably, many masks used for the prayer-incantations of fishermen are recorded. Before launching their canoes into the water, they try to master the powers of malevolent spirits and attract the favor of benevolent ones. Sometimes, they sacrifice a ram, a primordial animal and even deified among the Bozo, over the waters of the river. Puppets play an important role in this people, both educational and entertaining: called Sogow, they are animated during tales recounting the forces of nature, the spirits of the bush, the invisible world among animals and humans. The Manin are other dolls used for initiation stories related to motherhood.

These puppet shows are of great importance in the Bozo society: the daytime performances are called Tlefedow, and those in the evening, Sufe Dow. Sometimes, they are the Dji Kan Do, puppets in motion on canoes along the river. The spectators follow the itinerant show by walking in procession along the shore. The Bozo, who are the oldest inhabitants of this region of Mali, all fishermen and boatmen according to tradition, claim they were born from the 'first twins.' They pay homage to the water spirit Faro. The ram is a valued animal throughout this region. According to the Bozo, it was first sacrificed by Faro to atone for the faults committed by Mousso Koroni, the 'ancient little woman.' Thus, in an era of disorder, violence, and sterility, a period of prosperity, order, and peace followed.