Bozo Leopard Puppet Mask Mali

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.

Damage/Repair: Small cracks

Puppets are made and worn each year during the harvest masquerade that is centered in the region around the Bamana city of Segou. This is a long tradition found in that area. Performed today by the young men of the region it was first adapted from the Bozo people living along the Niger River. Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups, sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets in creating performances called Sogo Bo. Though considered to be a form of entertainment the performances are directed towards a description of the moral universe and the imperfection of humans and the need to educate people as regards ethical behavior and how to attain a religious way of life.