Bamana Merekun Marionette Head

Merekun marionettes were part of large dance performances originally staged by Bozo youth associations. In such 'sogo bo' dances, costumes and painted puppets topped with smaller puppet heads were part of the celebration. The marionettes often represented animals, specific characters from the society or even imaginary creatures. It is said that the tradition originated from the Bozo fishermen of southern Mali, and later on spread across the neighbouring Bamana tribe. 
 
A fine vertical alignment can be found throughout the object's stylisation, both in form, coiffe and in the linearity of the nose rim. The latter being perpendicularly blocked by the deep eye orbits is a typical element of Bamana statuary. Beautiful brown patina with clear signs of wear.
 
Tribe:
Bamana, Mali
 
Period:
Mid 20th century
 
Provenance:
Belgian private collection
Maximilian Christiaens private collection, Brussels, Belgium
 
wood
height 19 cm
sold with wooden stand