Standing female figure "yo nyeleni"
Mali, Bamana
not available anymore
Provenance
Peer Forst Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark (1977)Mamadou Keita, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Renaud Vanuxem, Paris, France
Catherine Sargos, Nancy, France
Size
H: 47 cm
H: 18.5 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, remains of black paint, strings of glass beads, of typical form with accentuated breasts and buttocks, pierced nose and coiffure, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, 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.
Publications
AHDRC: 0077609