Important "Jonyeleni" statue

Important "Jonyeleni" statue

of the Jo initiation society. It features a nude young woman standing on a circular pedestal, her ample bosom evoking a nurturing concept, her body embellished with geometric scarification, her face sporting a superb, gentle yet determined expression. Symbolically oversized ears evoke a concept of care, listening and protection. The body lines are gracefully structured around cubist, schematized forms. Hardwood, old honey-brown patina, marks of use Bambara, Mali 62 cm Exhibitions : - Grand Palais, Paris, La grande aventure cubiste, 89e Salon des Indépendants, Société des Artistes Indépendants, March 16-April 9, 1978, reproduced in catalog p.104 - Touring exhibition in Japan "Le Bateau-lavoir, La Ruche, Montmartre, Montparnasse". Daimaru Museum, Tokyo, from 09/29/94 to 10/18/94 Hankyu Museum, Kobe, from 11/25/94 to 12/23/94 Daimaru Cultural Center, Shimonoseki, from 01/19/95 to 01/29/95 Nara Sogo Museum of Art, from 1/02/95 to 13/03/95