BAMANA HUNTERS' SHIRTS, Mali

BAMANA Shirt 1 SOLD

BAMANA Shirt 2 40" x 35", $300

BAMANA Shirt 3 33" x 50", $300

BAMANA Shirt 4 32" x 42", $300

BAMANA Shirt 5 SOLD

BAMANA Shirt 6 27" x 43", $200

BAMANA Shirt 7 35" x 58", $300

BAMANA Shirt 8 34" x 62", $200

BAMANA Shirt 9 33" x 62", $200

BAMANA Shirt 10 39" x 62", $200

BAMANA Shirt 11 SOLD

BAMANA Shirt 12 35" x 46", $300

BAMANA Shirt 13 43" x 62", $600

BAMANA Shirt 14 42" x 64", $600

BAMANA Shirt 15 28" x 28", $300

These garments, called shirts, jackets or tunics were worn by Bamana men for protection in the forest, from both wild animals and dangerous spirits. A successful hunter must not only be master of the forest and wild animals, but must also have the spiritual power necessary to negotiate the dangerous supernatural realm. They are often embellished with small objects, animal horns, mirrors, jewelry, and leather pouches, that provide the "spiritual armor" necessary to protect the hunter from both real and spirit forces.

The pieces can be pinned to a wall or hung over a single rod, as we did for photographing them. The ones in the best condition and with the most attachments were probably never worn but made to be sold.