Statuette - Côte d'Ivoire

Origin: Ivory Coast
Tribe name: Senoufo
Material: Wood
Dimension: 72 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h. Open.

This piece is a decorative female figurine in the Senoufo art style (Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso).

The Head: The hairstyle is crafted with a pronounced sagittal crest, characteristic of Senufo styles, often evoking ritual hairstyles. The face has an elongated shape with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and a small mouth, typical of this aesthetics which emphasizes serenity and stylization.
The Body: The figurine represents a slender female figure. The chest is highlighted, symbolizing motherhood and fertility.
Scarifications: Raised relief details can be seen on the abdomen, suggesting ritual scarifications, a common element in African statuary to mark social belonging and maturity.
Posture: The figure stands in a hieratic and symmetrical pose, hands resting near the hips, giving the piece great visual stability.
Base: As you can see in the photos, the statue rests on a solid cylindrical base, typical of statues that were intended to be planted or placed vertically during ceremonies.

Cultural Context
These statuettes, called pombibele (or "children of Poro"), play a crucial role within the secret Poro society among the Senoufo. They are not considered realistic representations of individuals, but as spiritual entities.
Function: They serve as intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world. During initiation rituals, they are often brought out and presented to society members to strengthen group cohesion and educate initiates.

This work testifies to the mastery of Senoufo sculptors, capable of transforming wood into a form that is both rigid and harmonious, reflecting the discipline and spirituality values inherent to their culture.