A Bamana Maternity

A Bamana Maternity of the Baniko style, Mali, of unknown provenance, the former owner, wasnt´ sure, where his brother collected this sculpture; blackened patina, signs of age and ritual use. Provenance Daba Diarra, Segou.

Among the most compelling sculptural traditions of West Africa are the maternity figures of the Bamana people of Mali. Particularly notable are those rendered in the Baniko style, a regional expression named after the town of Baniko in southern Mali. These works—often overlooked in favor of more widely recognized African art forms—offer profound insights into Bamana ideals surrounding motherhood, femininity, and ancestral continuity.

The Baniko-style maternity figures are typically carved from wood and present a seated woman holding an infant, either cradled in her arms or nursing at her breast. What sets the Baniko style apart is its stylistic restraint and geometric elegance. The figures exhibit long, cylindrical torsos, subtly stylized facial features, and a quiet solemnity that conveys dignity and inner strength rather than overt emotion. The breasts and navel are often emphasized, symbolic of nourishment and life-giving power.

These sculptures were not merely decorative objects. They were ritual instruments, most likely used in association with Jo and Gwan societies, which are Bamana initiation and women’s associations concerned with fertility, social order, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. The maternities likely served as visual teaching tools or as embodiments of moral and spiritual ideals that guided community life.

The depiction of mother and child is universal, but in Bamana thought, this image takes on layered meaning. It reflects not only the biological act of childbirth but also the social responsibilities of nurturing the next generation—both physically and ethically. The Baniko maternity sculptures embody continuity, sacrifice, and the essential role of women in maintaining balance within the community.

Today, these sculptures are increasingly recognized for their aesthetic power and cultural significance. While many reside in museum collections around the world, they remain a testament to the rich sculptural traditions of the Bamana people—and to a broader African philosophy that views motherhood as a sacred, communal force.

Height: 74 cm
Weight: 3,2 kg