A Lifetime Dedicated to African Art
From Mopti to Bamako: a personal journey of discovery, stewardship and cultural transmission.
The Founder
Abdoulaye Bah began his journey in African art at the age of thirteen in Mopti, Mali, a historic crossroads of commerce, travel and cultural exchange. As a young guide, he encountered visitors, artisans and art dealers whose knowledge sparked his lifelong commitment to the artistic traditions of the continent.
At eighteen, he traveled to Lagos, Nigeria, where he pursued studies in art history and English while continuing to guide visitors. Over more than three decades, his work as a collector and dealer has been shaped by travel, mentorship, close study of objects and conversations with knowledgeable cultural custodians.
His contributions to promoting African art and culture have been recognized with the Delali Award of Leadership.
In the founder’s words
A tour with Abdoulaye Bah
Founder and president of Tribal and Ethnic Art Center BKO
In this video, Abdoulaye Bah walks through part of the collection himself and presents the works one by one.
Masks, statues and carved doors: the pieces he has studied and gathered over more than thirty years.
Browse the online catalogue
From a Collection to a Cultural Institution
The Tribal and Ethnic Art Center BKO was established to give African works of art a lasting place for documentation, study and cultural exchange in Bamako. Its museum building has been constructed, and the institution is preparing for a future public opening as conditions permit.
The museum building in Bamako — image from archival video documentation.
Our Mission
To preserve, document, research and share African artistic and ceremonial heritage, while recognizing the knowledge and rights of the communities from which these traditions originate.
A Pan-African Vision
The Center seeks to connect African scholars, artists, communities and members of the diaspora through responsible stewardship, education and international collaboration. The goal is a lasting institution rooted in Africa and open to dialogue with the world.
Selected artwork imagery from the museum video.