Information
h 55 cm
Female figure.
Hardwood with a dark, glossy patina, metal disks on the eyes, rough cotton loincloth, signs of prolonged use.
Female figure that might depict Jonyeleni, the most physically attractive woman idealised by young boys during their initiation rites.The work is sculptured following the classical style that we would define as “cubist”.The figure is facing forward, standing on a thick circular platform.The sharp-edged head has a long, protruding nose and a hairstyle with a central lock of hair, and a strand on each side that falls down in front of the ears. The cylindrical neck is grafted onto the square-shouldered torso, where the volumes of the various body parts amalgamate to form a balanced composition. The large protruding breasts demonstrate the importance given to breastfeeding children.The surface of the wood is marked with small zig-zag engravings which characterises many Bambara works.
Publications: Featured in:
RIZZONI GIANNI “Catalogo dell’Antiquariato Italiano n° 9” Milan, Giorgio Mondadori 1996, pag. 181 (699);
Female figure.
Hardwood with a dark, glossy patina, metal disks on the eyes, rough cotton loincloth, signs of prolonged use.
Female figure that might depict Jonyeleni, the most physically attractive woman idealised by young boys during their initiation rites.The work is sculptured following the classical style that we would define as “cubist”.The figure is facing forward, standing on a thick circular platform.The sharp-edged head has a long, protruding nose and a hairstyle with a central lock of hair, and a strand on each side that falls down in front of the ears. The cylindrical neck is grafted onto the square-shouldered torso, where the volumes of the various body parts amalgamate to form a balanced composition. The large protruding breasts demonstrate the importance given to breastfeeding children.The surface of the wood is marked with small zig-zag engravings which characterises many Bambara works.
Publications: Featured in:
RIZZONI GIANNI “Catalogo dell’Antiquariato Italiano n° 9” Milan, Giorgio Mondadori 1996, pag. 181 (699);
Literature
VARIOUS AUTHORS “Bamana: The art of existence in Mali” Museum Rietberg Zurich Editor Calleyn J.P. 2001 (429);
COLLEYN JEAN-PAUL “Visions d’Afrique: Bamana” Milan 2009 (705);
DE MEYERE NADINE “Un ideal humain dans l’art africain: la sculpture figurative des Bamana” article published in French journal Arts d’Afrique Noire, Autumn 1986, n° 59, pag. 11-12;
RIZZONI GIANNI "Catalogo dell'Antiquariato Italiano n° 9" Milan, Giorgio Mondadori 1996, pag. 181 (699);
The Bambara comprise a people of 1.5 million who live in Mali along the middle course of the river Niger. They are essentially farmers and livestock breeders. They follow an animist religion, but Christianity and particularly Islam are also practised by a large number of believers. Bambara sculptures are crafted with designs that favour depicting the human figure in an abstract manner.Many female figures are associated with rituals to bless births and women’s fertility.COLLEYN JEAN-PAUL “Visions d’Afrique: Bamana” Milan 2009 (705);
DE MEYERE NADINE “Un ideal humain dans l’art africain: la sculpture figurative des Bamana” article published in French journal Arts d’Afrique Noire, Autumn 1986, n° 59, pag. 11-12;
RIZZONI GIANNI "Catalogo dell'Antiquariato Italiano n° 9" Milan, Giorgio Mondadori 1996, pag. 181 (699);
Contact
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact arteafricana@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.
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