Boli Bamana Zoomorphic Figur. - Figure - Mali

Boli Bamana zoomorphic figure.

Material: wood, organic material.

Origin: Mali.

Dimension: 29 X 35 cm.(11.41 X 13.77 inches).

Weight: 3 kg

20th century

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A Boli is an abstract figure that is kept in a shrine of a secret men’s association of the Bamana. It is believed to be the embodiment of the spiritual forces of the society. These forces form the basis for the association’s ability to maintain social control. Today, the Kono Society has lost its influence in most Bamana communities due to the Bamana’s conversion to Islam.



The basic form of this Bolis resembles a heavily simplified cow. It consists of a wooden core, which is overlaid with materials such as mud, eggs, chewed kola nuts, sacrificial blood, urine, honey, beer, plant fibers, and cow dung. The use of blood and excrement reflects the belief that these organic substances possess extremely strong spiritual powers.



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