Third Quarter of the 20th Century
Former Massimo Bargna Collection
Description:
This beautifully executed maternity has a patina of antiquity and wood wear that testifies to the intense ritual practices it was subjected to. It suggestively embodies the values of harmony and beauty associated with the female ancestor. The austere, absorbed face is framed by braids and a headdress covered with amulets. With a maternal and protective gesture she clasps the child to her, manifesting her power to procreate and ensure the continuation of life. The seated position expresses authority and prestige.
CODE: OGANOG0257445
Dimensions: 120 x 28 x 28 cm
Historical Stylistic Analysis:
The Bamana people live between Bamako and Ségou in the rural areas around the Niger, the great river whose course Mungo Park traced in the early 19th century. The statues of seated women with children represent the ideal of female beauty and the value that fertility of women and fields, at the centre of the rituals of the Jo and Gwan initiatory society, have for the entire community. They were kept on altars, in the centre of groups of two to five statues, washed, oiled, dressed and decorated. They were worshipped annually and received offerings to propitiate numerous births and a good agricultural harvest for the village and to solve problems related to child nutrition.
Published on:
“I sentieri degli antenati”, di Massimo Bargna, Obiettivo sul mondo, Abbiategrasso, 2009.
Bibliography:
“Bamana. The art of existence in Mali”, Museum for African art New York e Museo Rietberg Zurigo, 2001.
“Bamana”, Jean-Paul Colleyn, Ed. 5 Continents, 2009.
“Les Bambara du Ségou et du Kaarta”, Charles Monteil, Ed. G.-P. Maisonnneuve & Larose, Parigi, 1977.
- Joomoni’ or “Gwandusu” wooden motherhood, Bamana art (Mali)
Antiques, Art and Design
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