The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Female Figure (nyeleni or jo nyeleni)

before 1932

Africa, West Africa, Mali, Bamana-style blacksmith-carver

wood
Overall: 49.9 cm (19 5/8 in.)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Munro 1971.161
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

This sculpture originally had clothing (around the waist), beads, and metal ornaments, just like a Bamana woman would wear on a special occasion.

Description

Called nyeleni, the figure represented an idealized youthful female beauty. The nudity of the sculpture does not represent how a Bamana woman would dress, nor is it a study of an actual woman. Male initiates in the Jo society once used these figures in entertaining ceremonial performances, where they represented the ideal wife. Their performance was also one of masculinity and showcasing their eligibility.
  • until 1971
    Dr. and Mrs Thomas (Lucille) Munro
    1971–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art by gift
  • Year in Review: 1971. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 28, 1971-February 6, 1972).
  • {{cite web|title=Female Figure (nyeleni or jo nyeleni)|url=false|author=|year=before 1932|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1971.161