BAMBARA Mali, southern region h 55 cm Female... Lot 31

BAMBARA Mali, southern region 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); 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);