Ton Fa (guardian/patron of male part of Kamalen Ton) theatre puppet

The theatrical puppet (English: marionette, French: marionnette) attached to a frame covered with fabrics, under which the puppeteer-animator hides, often holding carved wooden hands, is part of the Sogo bò theatrical tradition found in the Ségou region, in the south-central part of the Republic of Mali. He represents the guardian of the male part of the Kamalen Ton youth association.The association owns the puppets and is responsible for organising the performances. All young boys and girls who have already undergone initiation belong to it. They remain, members of the association until they get married (as is the case for girls) or until they reach the age of 40. Nowadays, older married women who are outstanding singers are still active members of Kamalen Ton despite their age and status. The same applies to men, who remain much longer in the association's ranks, even if they do not play an essential role in it. There is usually one such association in each village, although in some huge ones, there may be more. Ton emphasises the physical development of its members, the acquisition of cultural knowledge and plays an essential role in the socialisation process. The youth are divided into several age groups, called flan-bolo (or flamakew). Kamalen Ton has its leader, one of the older men, who enjoy authority - the ton-tigi (chief ton). Funding for the ton's entertainment activities comes from membership fees and money earned for the young men and women's work for their association.The Ton Fa doll performs in tandem with the Ton Ba (MNS/AF/5900). Dancing together, they praise the joint work of women and men and emphasise social harmony.The gift from Oleńka Darkowska-Nidzgorska and Denis Nidzgorski-Gordier.

Ewa Prądzyńska