Bamara Lion Panel

Late c.19th.
 
51cm x 61 cm

Charming naive folk-art panel, wall hanging.  It features a central carved stalking, ebony lion within a circle. The words " O " BAMARA " O" and "LION" are incorporated into the design. The whole design is made up of a decorative geometric pattern composed of hand cut African ebony wood and hundreds of bone tiles arranged bone tiles of various sizes, creating a mesmerizing mosaic effect. These bone tiles are inlaid onto a ebonised hardwood panel/frame with wood spacers, showcasing a remarkable blend of materials and naivety of craftsmanship. African specimen hard wood fans or stars to the four corners.

Bamara is the name of a town in the Central African Republic, and means lion in sango, the main language spoken in the country. Bamara ghia tè asa kuè means: the lion is the king of beasts.

The lion is a powerful symbol in many cultures, often representing courage, strength, and nobility. A lion within a circle can be a way to represent these qualities, sometimes with the circle signifying wholeness or eternity and the circle of life.

A striking decorative piece of art.