Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali provides a comprehensive examination of the Bamana peoples of West Africa.  Westerners have long thought African society is governed by ancestry and ethnicity.  But in fact we come to recognize that more profound characteristics pertaining to philosophy and ethics are stronger influeces as revealed by this study of the Bamana way of life.  Through the learned secretly guarded knowledge of proper, prescribed behavior the Bamana appease forces of nature or spirits to ensure their beneficcence toward the human community (and its continuity). At appropriate milestones in their lives they acquire this essential, guarded knowledge through study and initiation into associations differentiated by gender, age, or power.  The masks and objects are visible manifestations created to communicate with these forces or to teach ideals and correct behavior.

Organized by the Museum for African Art and presented September 19-July 28, 2002 at the Museum's 593 Broadway location, New York, New York.

Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali toured the following venue: in 2003 at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.