PAIR OF BAMANA JANUS PUPPET HEADS

Origin: West African, Mali, Bamana People     Provenance:  Ex. collection of Dr. George Alan Solem (curator of invertebrates at the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago).  Dr. Solem died in 1990.  For more information and a complete biography click here  or Google his name. 

Period/Date: Mid 20th C., possibly older

Materials:  wood, cloth, metal

Description:  These puppet heads would have been inserted into a much larger puppet figure measuring 3 feet or more. They were used to tell stories which is why they were removable.  Further they were used during the "Cheko" ceremony during theatrical performances to entertain or bring social changes during.  Both are presented on custom metal display bases.  The smaller head has some loss to one side of the perimeter of the coiffure.

Dimensions:   Height 13"-20"  (33-51 cm), Width 3"-5" (7.5-12.5 cm)

Price:  $850      Currency Conversion    FREE SHIPPING With (Buy Now) Feature!