Art Institute of Chicago

Zoomorphic Figure (Boli)

Bamana

Mid-early 20th century

Attribution

Bamana Mali Northern Africa and the Sahel

Medium

Wood, cloth, mud, and sacrificial material

Physical dimensions

H.: 43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.)

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harold X. Weinstein

From the museum

The name boli refers to a type of Bamana power object, such as the one shown here that resembles a bush cow or hippopotamus. Each example typically consists of a wooden core wrapped in layers of cotton cloth that are then covered with sacrificial materials including animal blood, plant extracts, and dirt. A boli is commissioned and cared for by a power association like Kono or Komo in order to harness spiritual energy for protective or therapeutic purposes.

Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0