Large female figure "doogele" or "deble" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3052880

Description

wood, base

Such imposing figures belonged to the “poro” men’s secret society and originally appeared in pairs, male and female. They are known as the “children of the poro”, called “pombibele” (sing.: “pombia”). Their role was to stand guard at the “kpaala” and to demonstrate that the “poro” was present in the village and fulfilling its duties properly. For this reason, the figures were expected to be visually impressive, and they were re-oiled or repainted before each use.

The object Large female figure “doogele” or “deble” with the object ID 3052880 was part of the auction Auction 106 on April 25, 2026, lot number 219 at that time and is currently available for EUR 800 in Open sale.

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Comparing literature

Förster, Till, Die Kunst der Senufo aus Schweizer Sammlungen, Zürich 1988, p. 68 ff.