Sogo Bo Bird/Antelope Puppet Head
early 20th century
This head is meant to be as startling as the message it once delivered. Positioned at the top of a large rectangular cloth construction, it was part of a form of innovative theater that has been active in Bamana communities for over a hundred years. Flashing mirror eyes and a huge open mouth exemplify the odd and bold character it portrays. Younger Bamana men enact experimental puppet plays that have a serious purpose but are delivered in a playful high relief full of wit and humor. An antelope may sing about “the character that a person does not have” and cite instances of jealousy and rivalry to support his claims. Situated underneath a fully concealing cloth body, the young have the license to mock human frailties, and rely on the best singers, dancers and drummers to get their points across.
Carved and darkened wood with mirror
28 x 22 x 9 in. (71.1 x 55.9 x 22.9 cm)
Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam in honor of Pam McClusky
2012.1.3
Provenance: (Possibly collection of a military-section staffer of U.S. Embassy in Mali); Ben Pickard; acquired from Mr. Pickard by Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam, Seattle, Washington, 1995
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
