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"Bambara Fertility Stick, " Wood created in Mali c. 1940

circa 1940

About the Item

This piece is a ceremonial fertility stick used by the Bambara tribe in Mali in West Africa. Sculptures like this fertility stick were created to be carried with a woman that desired to become pregnant in order to ensure optimal fertility. 25" x 9" x 2" The Bambara are a Mandé people living in Africa, primarily in Mali but also in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal. They are considered to be among the largest Mandé ethnic groups, and are the dominant Mandé group in Mali, with 80% of the population speaking the Bambara language, regardless of ethnicity. Although most Bamana today adhere to Islam, many still practice the traditional rituals, especially in honoring ancestors. This form of syncretic Islam remains rare, even allowing for conversions that in many cases happened in the mid to late 19th century. This recent history, though, contributes to the richness and fame (in the West) of Bamana ritual arts. The Bamana people adapted many artistic traditions. Artworks were created both for religious use and to define cultural and religious difference. Bamana artistic traditions include pottery, sculpture, weaving, iron figures, and masks. While the tourist and art market is the main destination of modern Bamana artworks, most artistic traditions had been part of sacred vocations, created as a display of religious beliefs and used in ritual.
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1940
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 130d1stDibs: LU60532324471

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