Vintage original carved wood Bamana Jonyeleni female figure with rich dark finish. Circa 1920 from Mali. Statues such as this represent the "beautiful young woman of the Jo", Jonyeleni. The new initiates travel for several months to neighboring villages with these wood figures. They advertise their new adult status and their desire for marriage. The Nyeleni sculptures incorporate the physical characteristics that are considered attractive and visually pleasing in a young Bamana woman.