Bamana Hunter’s Tunic

In much of the Sahel, the region south of the Sahara and north of the West African forest belt, hunting was vitally important both economically and culturally. Many Sahelian peoples had hunting-specific costumes as well as tribally distinct hunting regalia including special charms, quivers, hats, game bags and whistles. Tunics were often, although not always, adorned with amulets some of which were accumulated over time. This example is beautifully spare with only a handful of amulets, but rich in texture. Its dark brown color is the result of it having been soaked in a dye derived from a combination of cola nuts and propitious roots and leaves fermented in a clay pot. The process was intended to provide physical camouflage as well as metaphysical protection and good fortune. Collected in the early 1990’s; 26″ x 20″ unmounted.

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