Standing female figure ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3035966

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, typical posture, facial features and headgear, carved necklace and bracelets, rich body and facial scarification marks, min. dam., fine cracks, small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the entire cultic existence of the Senufo is ruled by the “poro” society. Accordingly a great variety of figural sculpture is made for various tasks within the society. Primarily we can find maternity figures, or the big “deble” figures. For the numerous “tugubele” figures, encorporating bush spirits, present figure is too big in size. Presumably it was made for a house altar and represents a female ancestor.

Comparing literature

Krieg, Karl-Heinz, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Westafrika, Leverkusen 1980