Standing male figure ·  Mali, Bamana/Malinke · ID: 3038937

Description

wood, encrusted greyish brown patina with traces of black paint, tubular arms, raised in front of the body in a kind of defensive gesture, angular bearded face, eyeholes spread with kaolin, metal tag pupils, large c-shaped ears, slightly dam., missing parts (finger of the left hand, ears, base);
presumably used in rites of the “jo” or “gwan” society. Just like rites of the “jo” even “gwan” celebrations culminate in displaying sculptures in public. They depict people in a variety of poses and gestures. The figures 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.