Additional titles
Woman of the Fula

Dated
Date of origin: unknown to KOLK 17

Geographical reference
Place of origin: Mali

Material / technique
Wood, carved, polychromed
Textile, sewn

Dimensions
Object dimension: 72 x 56 x 13 cm
Weight: 1 kg
Puppet volume: 72 x 43 x 23 cm

Creditline
KOLK 17 Figurentheater & Museum, Lübeck

Inventory no.
TF008393

Keywords
Maani | Anthropomorphic puppet Sogo bò | Coming forth of the masks and puppets Kalakasogo | Booth puppet West Africa Africa Human being

Object description
This puppet of a woman is probably a maaniw-type puppet, which are performed in the sogo bò theatre on an animal puppet stage (kalaka kònò sogo). It is a ‘booth puppet’ / kalakasogow.

The markings on the puppet's face, which could represent a tattoo, identifies her as a member of the Fulbe. The puppet's red skin colour is a striking feature. She is dressed in a wide wax fabric garment in red, yellow and black. (21.10.2024, EF)

Object history
The puppet does not appear to have been part of the old permanent exhibition of KOLK 17 before 1998. Until December 2017 it was on display in the permanent exhibition, St Jürgen corridor, upper floor, window.
There may be further documentation on the purchase or provenance of the object from Fritz Fey Jr. in private ownership. This cannot be conclusively confirmed at the present time.
(21.10.2024, EF)