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Caption

  • A seated figure carved in dark wood with a stool balanced on its head, beads around the head, neck, and waist, and presented next to the words Arts of Africa with a pink background.

Maani (marionette) of a male figure

#1112

Bamana numu (blacksmith)

Mid-20th century

Wood, cloth, copper alloy, iron, pigment

Description

This figure featured in sogo bò performances organized by the kamalen ton youth association. Such entertainments include masks and puppets portraying animals, mythical creatures, and figures from village life. Theatrical ensembles showcased an ever-changing cast. For each new figure, a wooden marionette and costume are commissioned, and a song is created in collaboration with female singers. This specific character, though not documented, belongs to the maani (literally, “miniature person”) category.

1112. Maani (marionette) of a male figure, Bamana numuw (blacksmith)

Mary Jo Arnoldi

Additional Information

Dimensions
H. 34 in. × W. 13 1/4 in. × D. 9 in. (86.4 × 33.7 × 22.9 cm)
Credit
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
Accession Number
1979.206.52

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