The Bambara
The Bamana or Bambara people have lived from agriculture from their earliest existence. Their origins have been chronicled as far back as the 16th century. A people unwilling to accept Islam, their name is a synonym for "idol worshippers."
Bambara society is structured by certain types of masks and figures that they produce. Iron staffs and figures play an important role in Bambara secret societies, as they are used during initiation ceremonies ad as during funeral rites.
Amongst the figures produced by the Bambara are the boliw figures; these fetishes may be represented as highly stylized animal or human figures. The secret societies of the Kono and Komo carry out sacrifices so as to empower these fetish figures.
The Bambara are also skilled ironsmiths, forming an exclusive caste, as they are set apart for their special skills. The ironsmith would create tools and weapons, as well as important ritual and ceremonial objects.
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Bambara house
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Market
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Mask
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Rite
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Statuette
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Everyday life
