Big standing male figure · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3037674
Michael Rhodes, New York, USA
Description
wood, encrusted greyish brown patina with remains of black paint, massive cylindrical figure with the arms carved close to the body, slightly dam., missing parts, cracks (back of the head, back), abrasion of paint, small traces of insect caused damage, base;
the figures large size, its massive form, egg-shaped head and male gender refer to its usage in rites of the “jo” or “gwan” society. Just like rites of the “jo” even “gwan” celebrations culminate in displaying sculptures in public. They were brought out of their houses, washed, anointed with shea butter and adorned with beads. All that is done by those women, who asked “gwan” for his help and support in getting pregnant.
The object Big standing male figure with the object ID 3037674 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 149.
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Comparing literature
Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 138