Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 195
Nyeleni statue — Bambara, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 195
Description
This anthropomorphic statue is a female representation associated with the Nyeleni figures of the Bambara people of Mali. Used in initiatory rituals and fertility ceremonies, it symbolises beauty and the transmission of social values to younger generations.
The work presents a hieratic posture with an elongated body, pointed breasts and a crest hairstyle with falling braids, characteristic of Bambara sculptures. The slender, stylised arms frame an object held in both hands, probably a sacrificial cup or ritual offering. Its circular base ensures the stability of the piece, suggesting ceremonial use.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Bambara
- Country
- Mali
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 90 × W 16 × D 14 cm
- Weight
- 3,5 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 195