Bozo Peoples
African
Large rod puppets like this buffalo are the most pervasive in Mali. They are fashioned to represent the heads of various animals, and they range in size from less than two feet up to six feet in length.
This buffalo head known as "Sigi" was made to project from the front end of a tent-like construction that serves as the body of the animal and as a stage for smaller puppets to perform on the buffalo’s back. Puppeteers hidden under the tent operate Sigi and the other puppets with rods and strings to entertain and to teach children social and moral lessons.
African
Puppet (Sigi)
20th century
Object Type:
Sculpture
Dimensions:
37 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 9 in. (95.89 x 29.21 x 22.86 cm)
Medium and Support:
Wood, pigment, fabric, rubber straps, plastic, and metal nails
Accession Number:
2013.0017.0011
Credit Line:
Gift of Dileep and Martha Mehta
Currently On View
Large rod puppets like this buffalo are the most pervasive in Mali. They are fashioned to represent the heads of various animals, and they range in size from less than two feet up to six feet in length.
This buffalo head known as "Sigi" was made to project from the front end of a tent-like construction that serves as the body of the animal and as a stage for smaller puppets to perform on the buffalo’s back. Puppeteers hidden under the tent operate Sigi and the other puppets with rods and strings to entertain and to teach children social and moral lessons.
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