Ram's Head Marionette
20th century
Object PlaceMali
Medium/Techniquewood, paint
DimensionsOverall: 48 x 21 x 9 cm (18 7/8 x 8 1/4 x 3 9/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2571
On View
Not on viewClassificationsDecorative arts
Collections
This ram puppet is typical of the types of puppets used during Sogo Bo masquerades. The masquerades are performed by village youth associations and feature both animal and human puppets. The dancers, who mimic the behaviors of the animals they represent, do not speak and are accompanied by drummers and singers. The masquerades are a source of moral commentary and they reflect on human relationships. The ram, one of many bush animal masquerades, is noted for its distinct muzzle and curved horns.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
