Description: This Bamana Female Figure Nyeleni African Mail is a stunning piece of art that stands at 15 inches tall. The sculpture features a beautifully crafted cubist design and serves as a reminder of the rich culture and heritage of the Bamana tribe. This figure represents a beautiful young Bamana woman of marriageable age. The lightly incised designs on the torso refer to the scarification patterns acquired by young women in the initiation ceremonies that prepare them for marriage. Historically among the Bamana, both girls and boys near puberty were initiated into the Jo society, an organization designed to instill the essential elements of what it means to be Bamana. The newly initiated young men toured neighboring villages for a period of several months, entertaining with songs and dances they learned during initiation. In return for the entertainment, the young men received gifts and had the opportunity to meet prospective brides and their families. By displaying figures like this one, the initiates illustrated their desire to meet eligible brides. This item has been described to the best of our ability. As full provenance is now known, age and origin cannot be guaranteed.
Price: 185 USD
Location: Chicago, Illinois
End Time: 2025-02-13T20:06:28.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Tribe: Bamana
