Bobo Wood Standing Figure

Hands at the hips, legs straight, mouth open. He has the stance of a man about to speak.

The Bobo of Mali are known for figures and masks made for community ritual, often combining human and animal features in strongly stylized forms. This wooden figure, carved in the 20th century, rises more than five feet. The arms hang close to the body. The legs stand on broad feet. A tall upright crest crowns the head. The face is reduced to a projecting open mouth and small flaring ears.

Fine incised lines run along the arms and across the body. The pale wood is weathered and dry, with deep cracks. He wears his age easily.