Fine Bambara (Bamana) Bull Power Figure – BOLI Fetish – Mali

1960-70. Mud, organic composite. Cm. 26,5 width x 24,5 high (10.43″ x 9.65″). Grams 2.030,0 (71.61 oz.).

The boli can be zoomorphic (mostly a buffalo or a zebu) or even sometimes anthropomorphic. It is considered a living being and contains within it a core that can be either a stone, a metal or any other material. This nucleus or “grain” symbolizes the vital energy. The more blood the boli will receive, the more it will be “charged” with nyama (vital force).

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