Zoomorphic Figure (Boli)

The name boli refers to a type of Bamana power object, such as the one shown here that resembles a bush cow or hippopotamus. Each example typically consists of a wooden core wrapped in layers of cotton cloth that are then covered with sacrificial materials including animal blood, plant extracts, and dirt. A boli is commissioned and cared for by a power association like Kono or Komo in order to harness spiritual energy for protective or therapeutic purposes.

About the sculpture

Particulars

Neighbors at Art Institute of Chicago

On the same theme · Ritual objects

Not receiving at present

What it shows

In the catalog

Sources

Pair of Headdresses (Tyi Wara Kunw)

Female Face Mask

Helmet Mask (Kono Kun)

Horse Head (Koredugaso)

Marionette Figure

Male Face Mask (N'tomo)

statuette

The Bedroom, 1889

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, 1884–86, border added 1888–89

Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881

The Basket of Apples, c. 1893

Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer), 1890–91

American Gothic, 1930

Nighthawks, 1942

Male Figure (Nkisi Nkondi), Probably early to mid-19th century

Hieroglyphic Altar, 650–700

Female Figure, Early-mid 20th century

Bird Figure (Lumbr), Late 19th or early 20th century

Hare Krishna Lamps-Triptych, 1997