Acquired in Mali 1996 Ian & Julie Allen
Bambara sculpture is primarily devoted to female
figures. One important category is Nyeleni,
small-scaled depictions of young women used in
Jo society initiates performances. The figures
are placed on display in the dance area, or held
by the dancers. The carvings enhance the young
men's performances and are jokingly referred to
as their girlfriends. This underscores the concern
of these young men to marry, a qualification for
achieving adult status. The female figure is
believed to protect the initiates from harm.
This was in our own private collection before being offered here for sale. (Space, or lack thereof being the final frontier!)
Height: 26" x Width: 6 1/2" mounted on a 8" wide and 5" deep base.
