Boli Bamana Zoomorphic Figur. - Figure - Mali

Boli Bamana zoomorphic figure.

Material: Wood, organic material.

Origin: Mali.

Dimensions: 27 x 38 cm (10.62 x 14.96 inches).

Weight: 2.2 kg

20th century.

A Boli is an abstract figure kept in a shrine of a secret male society of the Bamana. It is believed to embody the spiritual powers of the society. These powers form the basis for the society'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 Boli resembles a highly simplified cow. It consists of a wooden core overlaid with materials such as clay, 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 potent spiritual powers.

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