Bamana Power Figure (Boli) pottery Attractive encrusted patina and rich

Attractive encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits across the surface

beaded necklaces

Age-related heavy wear and abrasion

Such palanquins were used as luxurious transport for the Chinese elite

Bamana Power Figure (Boli) pottery Attractive encrusted patina and richBamana people, early to mid 20th century, Mali, West Africa An exceptional and rare Bamana boli power figure, constructed from a tortoise shell heavily over modelled with layers of potent organic and mineral materialsmud, eggs, cloth, goat horn, honey, beer, and human and animal excrement. Over decades of ritual use, its dense, crusted surface has accumulated further sacrificial offerings including blood, millet porridge, and alcohol, each application