Bozo Merekun or Marionette Head, Based

Pink, spotted and slightly alarming. A puppet that has made its own decisions.

Bozo craftsmen of Mali, West Africa, carved this merekun, or marionette head, in wood in the 20th century. Bozo puppet theater, performed along the Niger river, is commonly associated with festivals and satire, with animal heads among the stock characters. The long snout has dark nostrils and a pair of white teeth, and the pink-red surface is dotted with black spots. A yellow circle marks the brow, and round eyes stare from the sides. A flap of red cloth hangs behind, with rope at the neck.

About 21.5 inches tall, on a stand. It will win any staring contest.