Bambara Sculpture | Mali

Bambara statues are often dedicated to the fertility principle, “gwan”. This is why female connotations, such as breasts, are so emphasized. Women looking for children offer sacrifices at the shrines of gwan sculptures. These statues are enshrined and taken out only during annual ceremonies. These engraved strokes represent scarification patterns that are marks of both prestige and beauty.

Measurements | 3.5″x14″