Senoufo statue - Côte d'Ivoire






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Description from the seller
Côte d'Ivoire
Senoufo / senufo
Wood
Height: 440mm
Width: 110mm
Depth: 95mm
This Senoufo statue from Côte d’Ivoire is a seated figure, with an elongated body, angular style and a dark patina, sometimes holding a scepter.
This is not a decorative statue: it is a ritual object, charged, used in very specific contexts.
A domestic cult statue (Kafiguéledjo / Pombibele / Déblé)
Among the Sénoufo, statues are used in three main ritual frameworks:
- domestic altars
- fertility cults
- Poro / Sandogo initiation societies
This statue belongs to the category of protection and mediation 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, livestock)
- communicate with the ancestors
- stabilize the spiritual order of the home
They were considered 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 to ask for help or blessing
Thick patinas, deposits, and polished areas are traces of these uses.
4. Why this posture?
The seated posture, arms resting, torso upright 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 served to:
- protect the family and lineage
- ensure fertility and prosperity
- communicate with the ancestors
- receive ritual offerings
- stabilize the spiritual balance of the household
It is a object of power, not a decorative sculpture.
Fast and insured shipping. Parcels are sent with a tracking number. Delivery within 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union via Chronopost International. Delivery via Colissimo International to the rest of Europe and worldwide
We speak english.
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Seller's Story
Côte d'Ivoire
Senoufo / senufo
Wood
Height: 440mm
Width: 110mm
Depth: 95mm
This Senoufo statue from Côte d’Ivoire is a seated figure, with an elongated body, angular style and a dark patina, sometimes holding a scepter.
This is not a decorative statue: it is a ritual object, charged, used in very specific contexts.
A domestic cult statue (Kafiguéledjo / Pombibele / Déblé)
Among the Sénoufo, statues are used in three main ritual frameworks:
- domestic altars
- fertility cults
- Poro / Sandogo initiation societies
This statue belongs to the category of protection and mediation 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, livestock)
- communicate with the ancestors
- stabilize the spiritual order of the home
They were considered 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 to ask for help or blessing
Thick patinas, deposits, and polished areas are traces of these uses.
4. Why this posture?
The seated posture, arms resting, torso upright 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 served to:
- protect the family and lineage
- ensure fertility and prosperity
- communicate with the ancestors
- receive ritual offerings
- stabilize the spiritual balance of the household
It is a object of power, not a decorative sculpture.
Fast and insured shipping. Parcels are sent with a tracking number. Delivery within 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union via Chronopost International. Delivery via 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
