Description:

**Originally Listed At $800**

West Africa, Burkina Faso / Mali, Bamana / Bambara, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand carved wood merekun head and torso on an integral pedestal with exaggerated nude features to express femininity and maternity; the coiffure segmented into rows of braids curving over the head. During festivals and rituals sculptures and wooden puppets are cleaned and oiled, and sometimes dressed in clothing and jewelry - note the pierced ears for ornaments. Men will wear carved heads such as this, known as merekun, like a marionette- operating carved limbs from under their robes. The Bamana peoples perform a puppet masquerade called Sogo Bo in which the relations between men and women are explored. Most interestingly, issues that arise in polygamous households are central to these narratives. As one might imagine the conflicts between wives is a popular topic. Favorite characters are Barabara, the Favorite Wife and Galomuso, the Bad Wife. Size: 10" Diameter x 26" H (25.4 cm x 66 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Mary Sue Rosen Paul and Paul Peter Rosen collection, New York, USA

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#177824

  • Condition: Base is repaired with break line as shown. Stable pressure fissures across head and chips to high pointed areas. Dark pigments and patina.

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May 11, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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