H x W x D: 40.4 x 11.8 x 12.5 cm (15 7/8 x 4 5/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Mali
Date:
Early 20th century
Label Text:
Jonyeleni (or nyeleni, meaning "little ornaments") are freestanding sculptures depicting nubile young women. In creating these figures, sculptors portray the Bamana ideal of feminine beauty: a strong neck and straight back, a pair of prominent breasts, broad shoulders, a long slender torso and narrow waist and very large buttocks. They carve geometric patterns on the figures' chests, torsos and backs to represent the scarification that signifies a girl's initiation into adult society. The figures are rubbed with oil, clothed and adorned with beads and other ornaments to resemble Bamana women dressed for festive occasions.
Sculpted figures of this type were used in the context of Jo activities. Jo was a traditional institution concerned with maintaining social, spiritual and economic harmony within the community. Unlike other Bamana institutions, women as well as men were members. Newly initiated male youths displayed the nyeleni figures during performances of Jo songs and dances. Considered mafilè fèn, "something to see," and masiri, "decoration," the nyeleni figures made performances or rituals visually interesting.
The precise origin of this figure, whose style is distinguished by small square ears on a highly stylized head and distinctive scarification on the arms, chest and abdomen, has not been identified. It represents, however, one of several carving styles that are associated with individual carvers or workshops among the various southern Bamana peoples in the Baule and Bagoe River valleys where Jo exists.
Description:
Wood standing female figure with a highly stylized head, tubular neck and legs counterbalanced by a projecting face that tapers to a fine point and wide conical breasts. The face and head are understated, with minimally rendered facial features, squared ears and slightly raised crest adorned with diagonal incised patterns. Distinctive and elaborate scarification marks adorn the arms, chest, back and abdomen. Flat minimally carved feet lead to a rounded base.
Provenance:
F. H. Lem, Paris, collected in Africa, ca. 1934-35
Helena Rubinstein, Paris and New York, ca. 1935 to 1966
Private collection, 1966 to 1995
Pace Primitive, New York, 1995 to 1996
Exhibition History:
Helena Rubinstein: Madame's Collection, Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, Paris, November 19, 2019-June 28, 2020
Published References:
National Museum of African Art. 1999. Selected Works from the Collection of the National Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, p. 22.
Parke-Bernet Galleries. 1966. African and Oceanic Art: The Collection of Helena Rubinstein (Princess Gourielli). Auction catalogue (April 29). New York, p. 43.
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