Standing female figure ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Sénoufo · ID: 3033185

Description

wood, partly oily blackish brown patina, red paint remains, heart-shaped facial plane with prominent chin, cap-like coiffure with beak-like projection, min. dam., missing parts (right hand), cracks, traces of abrasion;
the whole 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.