Statuette - Côte d'Ivoire

Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Senoufo
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 72 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 business hours.

This piece is a decorative female statuette in the style of Senufo art (Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso).
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​The Head: The hairstyle features a pronounced sagittal crest, characteristic of Senufo styles and often evocative of ritual hairstyles. The face is elongated, with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and a small mouth—features typical of this aesthetic, which emphasizes serenity and stylization.
​The Body: The statuette depicts a slender female figure. The breasts are emphasized, symbolizing motherhood and fertility.
​Scarification: Raised details can be seen on the abdomen, suggesting ritual scarification, a common feature in African sculpture used to mark social affiliation and maturity.
​Posture: The figure stands in a hieratic, symmetrical pose, with her hands resting near her pelvis, giving the piece great visual stability.
​Base: As can be seen in the photos, the statue rests on a massive cylindrical base, typical of statues intended to be planted or set upright during ceremonies.
​Cultural Context
​These statuettes, called pombibele (or “children of the Poro”), play a crucial role in Senufo Poro society. They are not considered realistic representations of individuals, but 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 members of the society to strengthen group cohesion and educate initiates.
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​This work testifies to the skill of Senufo sculptors, who were able to transform wood into a form that is both rigid and harmonious, reflecting the values of discipline and spirituality that are integral to their culture.