Bamana / Dogon Hunter's Shirt - Mali

Description

Bamana / Dogon Hunter's Shirt - Mali . Condition is Great.
The Bamana (bah-mah’-nah) people, one of many ethnic groups in Mali, are an Africanfarming and hunting culture living on the western edge of the Sahara Desert. Tunics such asthis Hunter’s Shirt traditionally play an important part in rituals and ceremonies occurringbefore a hunt. These activities, which often take place at the boundary between villageand wilderness, prepare hunters to go into the world of dangerous animals and spirits. Thehunters call on supernatural energies to assure safety and success.This Hunter’s Shirt is made of white cotton strips that were sewn together and then dyed withbark. The cloth is decorated with charms that are believed to have special powers. Animalteeth, claws, horns, and fur, considered good-luck charms, are attached to the hunter’s shirtalong with secret pouches called basi. The Bamana people believe that if the basi are opened,the charms inside lose their power to ward off evil and bring good fortune to the wearer.Although hunting is a disappearing practice in most of Africa, these tunics are still wornduring festivals, processions, and other gatherings as symbols of success.