Female figure "jo nyeleni" · Mali, Bamana/Malinke · ID: 3040509
not available anymore
Provenance
North German Private CollectionSize
H: 55 cm
H: 21.7 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, incised scarifications on body and face, bulging stomach, “split” crested coiffure, miniature glassbead necklace, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
such figures represent the “beautiful young women of jo”. The new initiates travelled around for several months, visiting the villages nearby to point out their new state of adulthood, and demonstrate their wish to marry. “Nyeleni”-figures illustrated the characteristic features of young Bamana women of marriageable age.