Bambara ancestor statue — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 207

Description

This Bambara sculpture from Mali represents a male figure seated on a stool, a symbolic element of authority and wisdom in Bamana culture. The hieratic posture and the elongated face with angular features recall representations of revered figures in family altars or initiatory cults.
The visible scarifications on the face and torso underline the importance of the individual, probably an ancestor or spiritual chief, embodying the transmission of values and knowledge. The elongated arms, adorned with bracelets, reflect Bambara aesthetics, highlighting the nobility and elegance of the body.
Carved from dense wood and showing a beautiful patina of use, this piece attests to traditional execution, with meticulous details on the stool and headdress that refer to the aesthetic codes of Bamana statuary. The state of preservation is generally good, with some natural cracks in the wood, confirming its age and authenticity.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Bambara

Country

Mali

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 50 × W 10 × D 14 cm

Weight

1,4 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

207