**Originally Listed At $500**

West Africa, Mali, Bozo peoples, ca. 20th century CE. An impressive Bozo puppet depicting Mami Wata, the water deity and ultimate Mother Water in a mermaid form - her long, slender body resolving in a fishtail. The puppet is hand-carved from wood with separately carved arms joined to the torso beneath black and white zigzag patterned fabric shoulder coverings, her red body embellished with white polka dots which may represent diamonds or pearls as these are some of her attributes, her conical breasts with black nipples, her beautiful visage comprised of deep-set eyes with brass tack pupils and thick black-painted lashes, a long aquiline nose, puckered lips, and cup-shaped ears - all topped by a long black coiffure adorned with white polka dots, this pattern also gracing her tail. An elegant and quite sizeable Mami Wata puppet from the Bozo people of Mali! Size: 22.75" W (arms extended) x 35.5" H (57.8 cm x 90.2 cm)

Water has and continues to be upheld as a sacred and essential element of nature in many cultures, and the goddess Mami Wata is venerated throughout the African continent. She is represented as the embodiment of African beauty oftentimes with an elaborate hairstyle as we see in this example. Interestingly, the red and white color scheme may also represent the dual nature of Mami Wata - red symbolizing death, destruction, power, being male, and physicality; white symbolizing beauty, creation, spirituality, wealth, being female, and water.

Provenance: ex Susan Ohori collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167063

Minor surface wear with a few scuffs and abrasions. Some nicks/chips to high-pointed areas. Arms were carved separately and are attached beneath the fabric shoulder coverings. Arms articulate nicely.