Sitting female figure

Description

wood, black patina, miniature glass beads, beak-like projection at the forehead, the navel accentuated by incised tattoos and the figures hands, scarification marks on the face, slightly dam. (finger tips, mouth), cracks (above all backside), rep. (small breakage at the stool fixed by metal clamps), abrasion of paint, base;
the entire cultic existence of the Senufo is ruled by the “poro”, a secret society, responsible for conveying ritual knowledge and for the preservation of tradition. Accordingly a great variety of figural sculpture is made for various tasks within the society. Present figure presumably was made for a house altar and represents a female ancestor.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142258