Bamana Nyeleni figure - SOLD OUT
The woman in African art Bambara
Statues of women of this type are known as nyeleni in Mali among the Bambara. They are the realization of the juvenile feminine ideal. The term nyeleni can be translated in several ways including "pretty little" or "small decoration".
These figures have a number of distinctive characteristics, including a rather cubist and geometric form. The breasts are conical and prominent, protruding strongly from a cylindrical or flattened trunk, and may be counterbalanced by exaggerated buttocks protruding behind the figure. Hairstyles vary but usually feature variations on a crest-like arrangement.
The aesthetic of this statue is supported by the presence of remarkable scarifications on the face and body. Segou style figure.
Piece published in "Spirits of Africa", volume II, 2020.
01231
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1940
- Size
- 67 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Bon
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The woman in African art Bambara
Statues of women of this type are known as nyeleni in Mali among the Bambara. They are the realization of the juvenile feminine ideal. The term nyeleni can be translated in several ways including "pretty little" or "small decoration".
These figures have a number of distinctive characteristics, including a rather cubist and geometric form. The breasts are conical and prominent, protruding strongly from a cylindrical or flattened trunk, and may be counterbalanced by exaggerated buttocks protruding behind the figure. Hairstyles vary but usually feature variations on a crest-like arrangement.
The aesthetic of this statue is supported by the presence of remarkable scarifications on the face and body. Segou style figure.
Piece published in "Spirits of Africa", volume II, 2020.