Bamana Fetish Figural Post Mali 38 Inch

The Bamana, a prominent ethnic group from Mali, crafted a remarkable African figural post from dark wood using traditional methods. This finely detailed post, possibly a fetish figure with encrustation, bears the marks of age and handling. The Bamana culture, originating in the 17th century with potentially older roots, stems from Mandinke ancestry and stands as Mali's largest culture today. Their peak emerged in the late 18th century under N'golo Diara's reign, who conquered the Peul tribe and significant cities like Timbuktu and Djenne, maintaining power until the French conquest in 1892. Islamic influence from the east has impacted Bamana culture in recent years, leading to a blend of animist and Islamic practices, fostering peaceful coexistence between these traditions.

110653