Bambara (Mali). Bamana Boli fetish. - Lot 311

Bambara (Mali). Bamana Boli fetish. Plant fibers and natural materials. Height: 42 cm - Length: 44 cm. Called Boli in African Art, this fetish plays a central role in the ritual life of a Bambara village. These objects belong to male initiation associations whose members progress through a process spanning several decades. Over time, they attain the esoteric knowledge that leads to a better understanding of the natural and spiritual worlds. The main function of a boli is to accumulate and control the natural life force called nyama for the spiritual benefit of the community. Used as altars or for dance performances, they are made following a complex esoteric process, from animal bones, plant matter, honey and metal, which are aggregated around an inner framework of plant fibers, covered with mud and layers of clay. Their surfaces accumulate sacrificial materials over time. Each layer reinforces the spiritual power of the boli.