Bambara Protective Marionette

wood, brass, feathers ritual

Mali

Bambara – Bamana

Power & Protection H:70 in.

Date

Late 19th Century

It is quite apparent that most statues and masks are made from a single piece of younger and less dense wood. While it is no easy matter to create complicated figurations this way, such examples are not seldom encountered in African art forms.,

The Bambara have a rich history associated with the Bambara Empire, which played a significant role in the region.

• They originated as a royal section of the Mandinka people and were instrumental in founding the Mali Empire in the 13th century.
• The Bambara dates back at least befor 2500 BC, emanating from the Manding, Mande peoples of Mauritania, Mali and bordering states, Their language incorporates Dyula. The Bambara transcendence to the Bamana took place in the 1740’s as the Mali Empire began to decline over a 200 year period. “Bamana” means both believer and non-believer as the people encountered struggle in acceptance of the Islam faith.
• The Bambara had developed a unique system of metaphysical religious beliefs, which includes animistic depictations, prayers, and rituals.Their wooden and metal religious sculptures are renowned, such as this extraordinary Marka multi-faceted carving embroidered with copper and brass (including rare maroon colored bird feathers, no longer visible), known as the Marionnete, comprising 11 individual piece carvings. This is a very rare, historical piece because most African carvings are honed from one solid block of wood!
• The Bambara society has distinct roles for warriors, farmers, and other community members. This piece on display protects all  In summary, the Bambara culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with historical signific  linguistic richness, and spiritual depth. Carved from multiple pieces—exceptionally conceived; reminiscent in concept to some found with the Ibibio of Nigeria, among
• The Bambara society has distinct roles for warriors, farmers, and other community members. This piece on display protects all. In summary, the Bambara culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with historical significance, linguistic richness, and spiritual depth. Carved from multiple pieces—exceptionally conceived; reminiscent in concept to some found with the Ibibio of Nigeria, among the lagoon peoples of Ivory Coast, and also with the Lengola of Congo, and Tanzania, but none of such a grand scale of societal strength and significance. Other cultures consistently sculpted figures with moveable limbs attached with pins.  This incredible structure is known as a Marionette created by the Marka group of the Bambara / Bamana group of Mali. It is a religious, spiritual grouping of ancestor-protective spirits to  embody the community