Seated female figure

Description

wood, pigments, base

A figure by the same carver was auctioned on September 19, 2009 as lot 190 (AHDRC 0071706) at Zemanek-Münster. For another pair of figures by the same hand see AHDRC 0071352.

All figures show the same striking physiognomy with the large round eyes surrounded by concentric circles, as well as the high helmet-shaped crested hairstyle with curved contours. Also body formation and decoration are almost identical.

In the widespread villages of the Senufo, a female association called “sando” promotes women’s knowledge of healing, divination, and social order. Sculptures such as this one were featured in funeral rites and other ceremonies that promoted social cohesion.

This figure, carried in funerary processions by an elderly female, shows a woman seated on a birthing stool