Standing female figure "jo nyeleni" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3041264
Poul Mørk (1938 – 2013), Copenhagen, Denmark. Curator of the African Collections Departement at the National Museum of Denmark
Description
wood, brown patina, remains of black paint, metal tag eyes, elongated box-shaped torso with arms close to the body, pierced mouth opening, ears with drilled holes for attachment of ornament (broken on the left side), slightly dam., minor missing parts (both hands, foot tips), cracks, abrasion of paint, rep. (fingers of the left hand), base;
“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.