Seated female figure (jonyeleni)
Artist Unidentified
20th century
Object PlaceMali
Medium/TechniqueWood, beads, and metal
Dimensions45.72 cm (18 in.)
Credit LineGift of William E. and Bertha L. Teel
Accession number1996.371
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
Featured in Jo and Gwan society events linked to initiation, healing, and social responsibilities, idealized female figures such as this one vary in size and style, from geometric angularity to more rounded forms. This seated figure with appended earrings and beads is probably from the Segou region, though it is less elongated than some others. It shows the characteristic pointed breasts with scarification, paddlelike hands and arrow-shaped nose. Geometric incising bands the face and defines the surface of the coiffure.
ProvenanceRalph Nash, London. Simone de Monbrison (dealer), Paris. Lee Bronson, Los Angeles. October 5, 1983, sold by Pace Primitive and Ancient Art, New York (stock no. 51-4883) to William and Bertha Teel, Marblehead, MA; 1996, partial gift of William and Bertha Teel to the MFA; 2014, acquired fully with the bequest of William Teel to the MFA. (Accession Dates: December 18, 1996 and February 26, 2014)NOTE: Provenance information was provided by Pace Gallery at the time of the Teels' purchase.
Artist Unidentified
Artist Unidentified
