Bamana Bambara IRON Animal OLD African Sculpture Mali

A Splendid Bamana Bambara Iron Ram Fetish Figure Statue
Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Mali

Collected from the: Bamana Bambara peoples from the Koulikoro region of Mali, West Africa
Material: Iron
Period: Early 20th century
Dimensions: 12.5" length, 3.5" height, 1.5" width; weight is 1.00 pounds
Condition: No damage, intact and structurally sound, nicks/scuffs present significant patination, surface condition indicative of tribal use. Make special note of the sublime anthropomorphic facial expression along with the twisted horns and tail - a splendid specimen!

Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this fabulous old character!

And be sure to see the beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES in our eBay store!

Or explore our exquisite AFRICAN SCULPTURES!

Click Images to Enlarge

Bamana Bambara Tribal History
"The 2,500,000 Bamana people, also called Bambara, form the largest ethnic group within Mali and occupy the central part of the country, in an area of the savannah. They live principally from agriculture, with some subsidiary cattle rearing in the northern part of their territory. The Bambara people are predominantly animists, although recently the Muslim faith has been spreading among them. The Bambara kingdom was founded in the 17th century and reached its pinnacle between 1760 and 1787 during the reign of N'golo Diarra. N'golo Diarra is credited with conquering the Peul people and in turn claimed the cities of Djenne and Timbuktu. However, during the 19th century, the kingdom began to decline and ultimately fell to the French when they arrived in 1892. For the most part, Bambara society is structured around six male societies, known as the Dyow. The stylistic variations in Bambara art are extreme - sculptures, masks, and headdresses display either stylized or realistic features, and either weathered or encrusted patinas. Until quite recently, the function of Bambara pieces was shrouded in mystery, but in the last twenty years field studies have revealed that certain types of figures and headdresses were associated with a number of the societies that structure Bamana life," according to Bacquart. "Among the Bamana and Maninka, initiation societies, called jow, were and sometimes still are of profound social and political significance. Some of them like the Ntomo, Kore, or their local equivalents, impose rites of passage: in the villages where they exist, every boy has to accomplish their rituals in order to accede to adulthood. Other socities such as the Komo, the Nama and the Ci-wara are "power associations" in which men participate in order to gain power and protect their dependents." For many of those interested in the African art, the Bamana have come to be seen as a classic example of "traditional" Sudanic civilization, a conservative inward-looking society of farmers and artists largely unaffected by the forces which shape Malian history. A most remarkable society of people living in the middle Niger Valley that somehow resisted the full thrust of Islamic religious renewal, the holy wars of the nineteenth century, and subsequent French imperialism and colonization - they appear almost heroic in surviving those raging events while remaining faithful to an artistic tradition based upon ancient precepts and values. See Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali for an exceptionally well detailed account of this culture.

Cat. # fifb1

************************************************************************************

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!!

Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed !

************************************************************************************

Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs!

Never a charge for handling!

Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service.

Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment.

We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs !

PayPal and all major credit cards are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!

Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!!

Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!