Power Figure

Item number 3420/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Shrine or power figure. Roughly shaped in the form of a bush cow; made of various compacted (unidentified) organic materials. The body surface shows cracks all over in the dried, layered materials. Also a layer of orange-brown streak marks running down the sides.

History Of Use

Bamana boli (power object) said to be from the early to mid-20th century. The boli is said to activate and control the life force, known as “nyama,” and to symbolize Bamana cosmology. The process of amassing and organizing the nyama energy occurs largely through an extensive body of knowledge called Jiridon (the "science of the trees"). The figures can only be safely handled by Komo association members, who have the required level of knowledge and expertise. They are usually placed on an altar and are strongly believed to enhance the well being of the community.

Narrative

Tchuemegne acquired the figure from a collector named Mr. Gora, in Makala village, Mali.

Specific Techniques

These animal-like sculptures are made from accretions of vegetable matter, metal, honey, animal bones, packed into a wooden frame that is covered by cotton. The structure is then covered by mud and dirt and accreted by layers of sacrificial material, including blood, alcohol, millet porridge, spittle and chewed kola nuts, to add to its power.