Standing male figure ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3040481

Description

wood, black patina, slender upper part of the body rising from overlong legs, provided with massive shoulders and strong arms, large hands held free off the body, tribe-typical facial features and crested coiffure, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, missing parts (both foot tips, coiffure), cracks, 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 male ancestor.