Standing female figure "deble" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Sénoufo · ID: 3042041

Description

wood, small remains of brown patina, arms, trunk and legs of uniform shape, massive shoulder area, relatively small head, traces of insect caused damage (legs, surface/patina), cracks, encrustations with greyish mass (right side of the head/base) - rep.(?), sacrificial traces (liquids), lichen growth(?), base;
the large anthromorphic Senufo figures commonly known as “deble” are closely related to the practices of the initiatory and community institution, “poro”. Carried in pairs, the figures were used to rhythmically pound the earth during funerary ceremonies, while the deceased is carried to the grave site.