Seated female figure "jo nyeleni" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3037934

Description

wood, rich blackish brown patina, eyes with inlay of red abrus seeds (missing on the right), characteristic: the overlong upper part of the body with angular shoulders and voluminous conical breasts, slightly dam., minor missing parts (right breast, ears), abrasion of paint, custom mount;
“Jo nyeleni” figures belong to the “jo” association. Most “jo” figural sculpture is used by the “numu jo” troop, the blacksmiths initiates. The “nyeleni” figures are either carried by the performers or placed behind them on the ground as a kind of backdrop. “Nyeleni” are said to increase visual interest, punctuating the performance and attracting the audience’s attention. They are “things to look at”. In performance they are adorned with loincloths, jewelry, head ties, or other items borrowed from young women in the village.