Zemanek-Münster

Female divination figure

Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo
sold EUR 3,500
Provenance
Ladislas Segy, New York, USA
Size
H: 28 cm
H: 11.0 inch

Description

wood, middle brown patina, posture with arms akimbo and upturned face bestow upon the figure a kind of “imperious” expression, the back in profile describing a wide bow, beautiful interaction with pointed forms (of breast and belly) and breakthroughs, carved with bracelets and scarifications, slightly dam. (coiffure, breasts), abrasion of paint, cracks, rest. (right face half), base;
such figures were placed by an altar in the small consulting chamber or house of the diviner (usually a female member of the “sandogo society”). The figure was used for communication between the diviner and the spirits.


Publications

Segy, Ladislas, African sculpture speaks, New York 1969, p. 99, ill. 73

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today