Bamana Puppet Hobby Horse Mali 43 Inch

An intriguing puppet from the Bamana culture features a depiction of a horse with a saddle on its back. The artist skillfully represented the saddle on the puppet's back, utilizing a long neck and a rope attached to the head to facilitate movement during performances. These marionettes were traditionally employed in public masquerades in the Bamana region, particularly around the city of Segou. Originating from the Bozo people along the Niger River, this festival has become a longstanding tradition among the Bamana and the Bozo. Today, it is performed by young men from the region, organized into dance troops as part of local youth groups. Known as Sogo Bo, these performances encompass singing, dancing, drumming, and puppet manipulation. Beyond mere entertainment, Sogo Bo serves as a cultural expression, conveying moral lessons about the imperfections of humans and the importance of ethical behavior and religious values.

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