Bamana / Bambara boli power object – Mali – mixed media
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Current bid
€ 121
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Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
 | €121 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €111 | |
| €101 | |
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Bamana / Bambara boli power object – Mali – mixed media; authentic original from the mid-20th century, provenance: ex private French collection.
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Description from the seller
Bamana / Bambara boli power object – Mali – mixed media
Details
Origin: Mali
People: Bamana / Bambara
Type: Boli power object
Material(s): Mixed media, earth / clay and organic ritual accretions over an internal structure
Dimensions: approx. 32 x 11 x 23 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Description
A strong Bamana / Bambara boli power object from Mali, in zoomorphic form.
Among the Bamana, boliw were powerful ritual objects associated with initiation societies and spiritual protection. Built from complex combinations of materials and repeatedly charged through libations and sacrificial substances, they were considered reservoirs of vital force rather than simply sculptural figures.
This example has a dynamic animal-like form, standing on four relatively tall legs. The body is compact but lively, with a rounded back, strong forward movement and an elegant elongated muzzle. Its proportions give it a particularly expressive presence, both archaic and animated.
The surface is heavily textured and cracked, as expected for an object of this type. Layers of earth, organic matter and ritual accretions create a dry, encrusted skin, with darker areas and traces of libations. These surface qualities are essential to the visual and symbolic power of the object.
The form remains highly readable despite the accumulated surface. The raised body, forward-projecting head and long legs give the piece a remarkable sense of movement and tension.
A very appealing Bamana / Bambara boli, appreciated for its dynamic zoomorphic form, elegant muzzle, encrusted ritual surface and strong ethnographic presence.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type, with cracks, abrasions, losses, surface irregularities and encrustations consistent with age, ritual use and material composition.
The earth surface is cracked throughout.
The front left leg moves very slightly when pushed, but the object remains stable overall.
Traces of libations and ritual accretions.
The object will be very carefully protected for shipping.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Bamana / Bambara boli power object – Mali – mixed media
Details
Origin: Mali
People: Bamana / Bambara
Type: Boli power object
Material(s): Mixed media, earth / clay and organic ritual accretions over an internal structure
Dimensions: approx. 32 x 11 x 23 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Description
A strong Bamana / Bambara boli power object from Mali, in zoomorphic form.
Among the Bamana, boliw were powerful ritual objects associated with initiation societies and spiritual protection. Built from complex combinations of materials and repeatedly charged through libations and sacrificial substances, they were considered reservoirs of vital force rather than simply sculptural figures.
This example has a dynamic animal-like form, standing on four relatively tall legs. The body is compact but lively, with a rounded back, strong forward movement and an elegant elongated muzzle. Its proportions give it a particularly expressive presence, both archaic and animated.
The surface is heavily textured and cracked, as expected for an object of this type. Layers of earth, organic matter and ritual accretions create a dry, encrusted skin, with darker areas and traces of libations. These surface qualities are essential to the visual and symbolic power of the object.
The form remains highly readable despite the accumulated surface. The raised body, forward-projecting head and long legs give the piece a remarkable sense of movement and tension.
A very appealing Bamana / Bambara boli, appreciated for its dynamic zoomorphic form, elegant muzzle, encrusted ritual surface and strong ethnographic presence.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type, with cracks, abrasions, losses, surface irregularities and encrustations consistent with age, ritual use and material composition.
The earth surface is cracked throughout.
The front left leg moves very slightly when pushed, but the object remains stable overall.
Traces of libations and ritual accretions.
The object will be very carefully protected for shipping.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Bamana / Bambara boli power object – Mali – mixed media
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
