Figure féminine inhabituelle "deble", "doogele" ou "poro piibele"
Description
wood, base
Bretschneider himself described this whimsical sculpture, which is carved with a seated female figure in place of a head, as a unique specimen.
The large anthromorphic Senufo figures commonly known as “deble” are closely related to the practices of the initiatory and community institution, “poro”.
The arms of the statue and its pedestal fulfil a functional role during the memorial rites. The young initiates hold the statues by the arms and stand in a row while stamping the ground with a slow rhythm. This ritual act has a double meaning: on the one hand, the resulting muffled sound cleanses the earth, which is considered impure, and makes it fertile and usable for humans. On the other hand, it serves as an appeal to the souls of the deceased ancestors - an emphatic invitation to actively participate in the religious ceremony.