Tribal Art

Called boli ( pl. boliw ), buffalo, in African art, this fetish of varying size plays a central role in the ritual life of the Mandingo region. There are pocket "Boliw", and others that belong to chieftaincies, initiation societies such as the Kono and Komo male initiation associations whose members progress through a process spanning decades, and even states.
The main function of a boli is to accumulate and control the natural life force called nyama for the spiritual benefit of the community . Used as altars or performed during dance performances , they are creations conceived from revelations miraculously granted to the bush genies and transmitted to the diviners , employing active amalgams from nature and , or organic : daliluw. Animal bones, plant materials, honey and metal are aggregated around an inner frame of bamboo wrapped in a white cotton cloth . They are covered with layers of mud and clay, and on their surfaces sacrificial materials accumulate over time. Each layer of libation strengthens the spiritual power of the Boli and "feeds" it in a way, reanimating its offensive and defensive power.