Early African Senufo Wood Figure, Nude Female

**Originally Listed At $300**

West Africa, Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast, Senufo, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fascinating, hand-carved wooden figure of a female that most likely belonged to a male and female pair of figures symbolizing the primordial couple from the Senufo peoples. Wearing only a chain of copper and iron links, the nude female stands upon slightly bent legs, displaying an abstract form with a vertically ribbed head, a thick neck, voluptuous breasts, and a voluminous buttock. As a member of the primordial couple, this figure and her male counterpart would have been taken out for funeral processions, to honor the deceased as they entered the spiritual realm. Size: 2.5" L x 3.1" W x 15.9" H (6.4 cm x 7.9 cm x 40.4 cm)

In her discussion of the cultural context of Senufo statuary at the occasion of the exhibition Genesis: Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, LaGamma (2002: 30 et seq.) explains: "According to the Senufo account of genesis, Kolotyolo, the creator, gave life to the first man and woman, who became the first human couple. The woman conceived and gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy. [...] The ideal of human male-female duality [...] also informs Senufo conceptions of the divine, especially the bipartite deity that is central to Senufo religious belief. Kolotyolo, the male aspect of divinity responsible for creation and 'bringing us forth,' is a benevolent but relatively remote presence who is balanced by a more accessible female dimension known as Katyeleeo, or Ancient Mother. She is a divine protectress responsive to the needs of the community. Within Senufo society, an optimal relationship with this divinity and the ancestors is assured through Poro, an initiation-based organization whose teachings also prepare members for responsible and enlightened leadership. Participation in Poro is universal among Senufo males, who safeguard their community's social and political welfare by making frequent sacrifices to the ancestors - conceived as past children of Ancient Mother - so that they may intercede on behalf of her current, living children.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#182658
Condition Report: Cannot stand Chipping to toes of proper right foot and top of head. Natural fissures, indentations, and old, inactive, insect damage to wood, and surface wear as shown, commensurate with age. Otherwise, mostly intact with nice patina throughout.