Standing male figure

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.