Lot: 162

96th Auction

Standing female figure "flanitokele" or "jo nyeleni"

Mali, Malinke / Bamana

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
French Private Collection H: 17.7 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, black mass, base

The Malinke sculptural tradition is strongly influenced by the Bamana.

The depiction of twins is a common motif among both groups. The birth of twins is considered a great gift, as they are believed to be endowed with special powers. When a twin child dies, a "flanitokele" figure is carved.