Jonyeleni Bambara ancestor figure, Mali - Lot 19

Jonyeleni Bambara ancestor figure, Mali Wood, patina and aged condition H, 53 cm The figurines known as Jonyeleni are representations of the woman at the origin of the Jo. They are the materialization of the soul of the female entity behind the creation of the initiation practices that organize and maintain the social order. These statues recall the young girl in her ideal state at her most physically attractive. Jonyeleni statuettes are used during septennial initiations, when they are carried from village to village by the Jodenw. One of the purposes of these itinerant journeys is to "re-actualize" the alliances made between families for the future marriage of young people. Provenance : - Former Maurice Nicaud collection, Paris - French private collection