Bozo mask - Mali (No reserve price)

Decorative Bozo mask from Mali

The Bozo constitute a distinct group whose affinities with the surrounding populations are so slight as to make full assimilation unlikely. It is mistaken to describe the Bozo as a caste in the full sense of the term, for they originate from a noble background and, having emigrated after the decadence of the Ghana Empire of which they were part, they chose to become fishermen, since having found themselves at the end of their wanderings on the banks of the Niger, they undertook to exploit the resources of this river to sustain themselves. Gradually, improving their techniques, fishing eventually became their main activity, to which they added an almost monopoly on boat traffic. Thus they came to be called the “masters of the water.” Then, borrowing from the natives of the places where they settled some of their customs, they blended these with those they had brought from their homeland, creating traditions that differed in a broad sense from those of the great ethnic groups. In the Mopti region, just west of the Dogon country and above the Bambara area, the Bozo form a clearly distinct group. They have so few affinities with the surrounding populations that it would be unreasonable to assimilate them fully to these populations. Formerly organized as a group in the form of a society granting powers to a kind of nobility, which emigrated after the decline of the Ghana Empire in the 11th century to which they belonged, the Bozo became fishermen; for having reached the end of their wanderings on the banks of the Niger River, they set out to exploit the resources of this watercourse initially for subsistence. Over time, as their techniques improved, fishing became their main activity. And through long navigation on the river, they added to their craft the near-monopoly of boat traffic. Hence it is said of the Bozo that they are “masters of the water.” During this period, borrowing from the natives of the lands where they settled some of their customs, they blended them with those they had brought from their homeland. Hence the important distinction of their traditions from those of the major ethnic groups that surround them. Notably, many masks are used for the fishermen’s prayers-incantations. Before putting the canoes on the water, they attempt to master the powers of evil spirits and to win the favor of the benevolent ones. Sometimes they sacrifice a ram, a primordial animal and even deified among the Bozo, above the waters of the river. Puppets play an important role among this people, both educational and entertaining: called Sogow, they are set in motion during tales recounting the forces of nature, the forest spirits, the invisible world among animals and humans. The Manin are other dolls used for initiation tales about motherhood. These puppet performances are of great importance in Bozo society: the daytime shows are called Tlefedow, those of the evening, Sufe Dow. Sometimes there are Dji Kan Do, puppets moving on canoes along the river. Spectators follow the itinerant show by marching in procession along the shore. The Bozo, the oldest inhabitants of this region of Mali, all fishermen and boatmen according to tradition, claim that they were born of the “first twins.” They pay homage to the water spirit Faro. The ram is a valued animal in this entire region. According to the Bozo, it was sacrificed once by Faro to repair the faults committed by Mousso Koroni, the “ancient little woman.” Thus, in a era of disorder, violence, and sterility, followed a period of prosperity, order, and peace.