They define and symbolize ethics that their makers conceived as the mythical framework of human interaction at the beginning of time, and they instill social order and organization to this day.

Flute like horns are used by the Bamana society to communicate in an occult manner between members. Large ones, like these, accompany dancers during initiation ceremonies. Blacksmiths preside over the society whose purpose is to protect the village from natural and supernatural harm by maintaining the spiritual well being of each inhabitant. This is accomplished with vigilant observation, by interpreting messages sent and received through the horns, and by activating three objects made by smiths to energize a protective field surrounding the village. The buruw, mask, and a fetish called boliw (which is kept hidden from view) energize this field by divining answers to problems concerning the village and village members. These ritual objects are so powerful they are stored separately until needed. Only the blacksmith can mediate directly between these objects to generate life force to benefit the community. Sudden death would come to any non-blacksmith or uninitiated villager who looked upon these three objects when together, or worse, attempted to wear a mask.

Life Force at the Anvil
The Blacksmith's Art from Africa

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