Third Quarter of the XX Century.
Description:
This old mask of an ancestor of the sukuma ethnic group has a remarkable patina of wear and a level of execution decidedly above the norm, which determine its rarity. The face is harmonious and well-balanced with almond-shaped eyes with a raised frame, a convex forehead andA figure of remarkable formal harmony and compactness with large rounded breasts alluding to fertility and nourishment, but also to the girl’s attractiveness that favours mating and procreation. Ridged hair, eyes obtained with two studs, and ethnic fleshing on different parts of the body. This statue was adorned with jewellery as evidenced by the necklace and the holes in the ears used to hang beads. The fine patina of wear reveals the original colour of the wood, particularly on the breasts and on the face.
CODE: OGANOG0257503
Dimensions: 74 x 17 x 23 cm
Historical Stylistic Analysis:
the ‘Jonyeleni’ ancestors are sculpted by the Bamana ethnic group of Mali for the initiatory Jo cult involving both boys and girls. They are smaller in size than the ‘Jomooni’ figures, the mother figures used in the annual jarason cult. Both statues represent the ideal of feminine beauty, but while the ‘Joomoni’ specifically embody the value of motherhood, the ‘Jonyeleni’ are a depiction of the maiden at the height of her youthful splendour and sexual attractiveness for procreation. These figures are displayed during the Jo ceremonies that are held every seven years and are aimed at maintaining order and social harmony.
Bibliography:
“Bamana. The art of existence in Mali”, Museum for African art New York e Museo Rietberg Zurigo, 2001.
“Bamana”, Jean-Paul Colleyn, Ed. 5 Continents, 2009.
“Les Bambara du Ségou et du Kaarta”, Charles Monteil, Ed. G.-P. Maisonnneuve & Larose, Parigi, 1977.
- Jonyeleni’ Ancestor Figure in Wood, Bamana Art (Mali)
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