This is a beautifully matched pair of figures representing a man and a woman, carved by the Bamana people of Mali for use within the Jo society, an important men's initiation association. Pairs like this typically symbolize the foundational social harmony between male and female roles within the community, and were used in performances and ceremonies marking key life stages. Each figure is carved from a dense hardwood and finished with the iconic white kaolin clay pigment on the face, a material with deep spiritual significance representing purity and the connection to ancestral and spiritual forces. Both figures wear matching bamboo-link earrings, a detail that reinforces their status as a paired set. Their elongated torsos and stoic, composed facial expressions reflect Bamana ideals of self-control and dignity. The figures are presented on custom iron stands designed to complement their vertical, sculptural forms.

• *Era: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
• *Size: 8“(L) x 6“(D) x 23“(H)
• *Material: Solid Hand-Carved Hardwood on Custom Iron Stands
• *Color: Dark Brown/White
• *Features: Matching male and female "He and She" pair; traditional bamboo-link ornamentation; custom mounting.
• *Origin: Mali (Bamana Tribe)
• *Condition: Original Antique Condition. Displays authentic ritual wear, natural deep-grain checking, and a rich, time-earned patina.

(Requires White Glove Delivery)

• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.

Specifications

• Material: Solid hand-carved hardwood with custom iron stands, bamboo, kaolin pigment
• Dimensions: 8"L x 6"D x 23"H
• Origin: Late 19th/Early 20th century; Bamana Jo society initiation-figure carving tradition; carved hardwood with kaolin pigment, Mali
• Era: Late 19th/Early 20th Century
• Condition: Original antique condition; authentic ritual wear, natural deep-grain checking, rich time-earned patina
• Special Detail: Matched male/female pair symbolizing social harmony; bold kaolin white facial pigment with bamboo-link earrings; mounted on custom iron gallery stands