Malinese Wooden Bamana Janus Puppet

Item Details

A wooden Malinese Bamana Janus puppet. Used in the regional sogo bo masquerade dramas of the West African nation of Mali, these two-faced puppets are used to explore themes of domestic life in the polygamous culture of the Bamana people. This puppet is constructed of black wood with faces carved on either side, each reinforced with thin metal plates secured by flat rivets. The handle of the puppet terminates in a spike.

Condition

- wear and some scrapes to finish, consistent with age.

Dimensions

Item #

17NYC086-118