Boli Bamana Zoomorphic Figur. - Figure - Mali

Bamana Boli zoomorphic figure.

Materials: wood, organic material.

Origin: Mali.

Dimensions: 29 x 35 cm (11.41 x 13.77 inches).

20th century.

Thank you for your visit.


A Boli is an abstract figure kept in the shrine of a secret male association of the Bamana. It is believed to embody the spiritual powers of the society. These powers form the basis for the association's ability to maintain social control. Today the Kono Society has lost influence in most Bamana communities due to the Bamana people’s conversion to Islam.


The basic form of this Boli resembles a greatly simplified cow. It consists of a wooden core that 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.

Insured shipping with track and trace.