Legends, Sorcerers, and Enchanted Lizards

by Pascal James Imperato

The Bamana people are known for their rich artistic traditions, including the creation of masks, statues, door locks, head dresses, and ritual and utilitarian their door locks are among the most remarkable of all African art. Sculpted of wood in a rich variety of forms, they depict mythological and historical figures, social events, and representational figures - crocodiles, lizards, tortoises, owls, bats, butterflies, humans. Known as 'konbarabara', these exquisite locks were once presented to young women at the time of their marriage and affixed to the doors of their new homes. The beauty of the carvings and the ingenuity of the locking systems present a fascinating study of this unusual art form. The volume is divided into three parts. Part 1 provides an overview of the Bamana people and their philosophical and spiritual beliefs. Part 2 presents a comprehensive discussion of Bamana doors and locks. Part 3 contains sixty-nine photos each with detailed captions explaining the symbolism of the various forms, interpretations of graphic signs, and descriptions of the locking devices.

93 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Pascal James Imperato, MD, MPH&TM, MACP, was the Dean and a Distinguished Service Professor, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.

Also writes fiction as John Pascal.