Bamana Puppet Hobby Horse Mali

A fascinating puppet from the Bamana culture portrays a horse complete with a saddle on its back, intricately crafted by the artist. The puppet's design includes a long neck and a rope attached to the head, facilitating movement during performances. These marionettes were traditionally used in public masquerades in the vicinity of the Bamana city of Segou, a tradition shared with the Bozo people. Today, the festival is upheld by young men in the region, drawing inspiration from the Bozo living along the Niger River. During these events, dance troupes consisting of local youth groups engage in singing, dancing, drumming, and puppet manipulation, creating performances known as Sogo Bo. While primarily entertainment, these performances also convey moral messages about human imperfections and the importance of ethical behavior and religious principles, serving as a means to educate and guide the community toward a virtuous way of life.

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