Senoufo statue - Côte d'Ivoire






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Description from the seller
Ivory Coast
Senoufo / Senufo
Wood
Height: 440mm
Width: 110mm
Depth: 95mm
This Senoufo statue from Ivory Coast is a seated figure, with an elongated body, an angular style, and a dark patina, sometimes holding a scepter.
This is not a decorative statue: it is a ritual, charged object used in very specific contexts.
A domestic cult statue (Kafiguéledjo / Pombibele / Déblé)
Among the Sénoufo, statues are used in three main ritual frames:
- domestic altars
- fertility rites
- Poro / Sandogo initiation societies
This statue belongs to the category of protective and mediating statues, placed in a family altar.
2. Function: protection, fertility, mediation with the ancestors
These statues served to:
- protect the family and lineage
- repel negative forces
- ensure fertility (of women, fields, cattle)
- communicate with the ancestors
- stabilize the spiritual order of the household
They were regarded as living intermediaries.
3. How was it used?
The statue was:
- “nourished” with offerings (flour, millet beer, shea butter, sacrificial blood)
- consulted by an elder or a Sandogo priestess
- activated during healing or protection rituals
- touched or sprinkled with to request help or blessing
Thick patinas, deposits, and polished areas are traces of these uses.
4. Why this posture?
The seated posture, arms resting, and upright torso symbolize:
- self-control
- wisdom
- spiritual presence
- ancestral authority
If the statue holds a child → maternity statue, linked to fertility and protection of births.
If it holds an object → power statue (diviner, ancestor, mythical figure).
5. Precise origin
This type of sculpture comes from the regions:
- Korhogo
- Ferkessédougou
- Boundiali
- Katiola
- Niellé
Each workshop has its variants, but the function remains the same:
protection + fertility + spiritual mediation.
Conclusion
This Sénoufo statue was used to:
- protect the family and lineage
- ensure fertility and prosperity
- communicate with the ancestors
-receive ritual offerings
- stabilize the spiritual balance of the home
It is a object of power, not a decorative sculpture.
Fast and secure shipping. Parcels are sent with a tracking number. Delivery in France within 1 to 3 days by Chronopost, 2 to 5 days throughout the European Union by Chronopost International. Delivery by Colissimo International to the rest of Europe and worldwide
We speak english.
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Seller's Story
Ivory Coast
Senoufo / Senufo
Wood
Height: 440mm
Width: 110mm
Depth: 95mm
This Senoufo statue from Ivory Coast is a seated figure, with an elongated body, an angular style, and a dark patina, sometimes holding a scepter.
This is not a decorative statue: it is a ritual, charged object used in very specific contexts.
A domestic cult statue (Kafiguéledjo / Pombibele / Déblé)
Among the Sénoufo, statues are used in three main ritual frames:
- domestic altars
- fertility rites
- Poro / Sandogo initiation societies
This statue belongs to the category of protective and mediating statues, placed in a family altar.
2. Function: protection, fertility, mediation with the ancestors
These statues served to:
- protect the family and lineage
- repel negative forces
- ensure fertility (of women, fields, cattle)
- communicate with the ancestors
- stabilize the spiritual order of the household
They were regarded as living intermediaries.
3. How was it used?
The statue was:
- “nourished” with offerings (flour, millet beer, shea butter, sacrificial blood)
- consulted by an elder or a Sandogo priestess
- activated during healing or protection rituals
- touched or sprinkled with to request help or blessing
Thick patinas, deposits, and polished areas are traces of these uses.
4. Why this posture?
The seated posture, arms resting, and upright torso symbolize:
- self-control
- wisdom
- spiritual presence
- ancestral authority
If the statue holds a child → maternity statue, linked to fertility and protection of births.
If it holds an object → power statue (diviner, ancestor, mythical figure).
5. Precise origin
This type of sculpture comes from the regions:
- Korhogo
- Ferkessédougou
- Boundiali
- Katiola
- Niellé
Each workshop has its variants, but the function remains the same:
protection + fertility + spiritual mediation.
Conclusion
This Sénoufo statue was used to:
- protect the family and lineage
- ensure fertility and prosperity
- communicate with the ancestors
-receive ritual offerings
- stabilize the spiritual balance of the home
It is a object of power, not a decorative sculpture.
Fast and secure shipping. Parcels are sent with a tracking number. Delivery in France within 1 to 3 days by Chronopost, 2 to 5 days throughout the European Union by Chronopost International. Delivery by Colissimo International to the rest of Europe and worldwide
We speak english.
mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
