The Malinke are a small neighbouring tribe of the Bamana/Bambara. Their roots are in the legendary golden realm Mali, not to be mixed with today’s Mali. Although they are independent of the Bamana/Bambara, their style of art shows clear reference and parallels.
Specialties of this small tribe are small, lively and compactly carved temple figurines. The little lady on this very beautiful old and used cooking pot is assigned to the doll style.
Figure and pot are richly decorated and have a nice patina. Lid and base are each made out of one piece and the dehydration crack in the lid was repaired by its users with iron brackets. |