Bambara female figure, Mali - Lot 123

Bambara female figure, Mali Reduced version of the sculpture known as "petite préférée", Nyeleni in Bambara, depicted standing with hands extending long arms resting on thighs. The oversized feet support a slender body highlighted by multicolored necklaces. The oversized feet support a slender body highlighted with multicolored necklaces. Patina inlaid with ritual anointings. 32 x 6 cm The Bambara of central and southern Mali belong to the large Mande group, like the Soninke and Malinke. They believe in the existence of a creator god, generically called Ngala, who maintains the order of the universe. His existence coexists with another androgynous god called Faro. The initiation rites of the dyo association and the gwan ritual of the Bambara in the south of Bambara country are brought to a close by large masked festivals. Spread over a period of seven years for men, they are less demanding for women. The new initiates celebrate their symbolic rebirth in groups from village to village. These are the sons of blacksmiths who dance around the statues, which were placed on an altar outside the festivities, after having been oiled and decorated. Each effigy carried a message revealed to the initiated.