Shrine figure, Senufo; Ivory Coast
Wood; H. 32"
Although the exact use of this object
is unclear, it is possible that this elegant female
figure, delicately balancing a bowl atop her head,
was utilized by the Poro Society. In this
context, the image might have been placed in a shrine
dedicated to the mother of the Poro camp.
Alternatively, this image may have served as the
figurative embodiment of a tutelary or divination
spirit and remained in a ritualist's personal shrine.
The elongation and delicate geometric balance of
the figure are quite deceiving in relation to the
piece's traditional usage, which may have involved
libation and animal sacrifices.
