Senoufo ancestor statue deble - DR Congo
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Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
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The original 100 cm wooden Sénoufo ancestor statue, titled “Statue d'ancêtre Sénoufo deble”, is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Senoufo
Material. Wood
Dimensions . 100 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
This work displays the remarkable morphological and stylistic characteristics of the large déblé statues (or ancestral/spirit figures) of the Senoufo culture (Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso).
Here is a detailed description of this sculpture:
1. Structure and Composition
Streamlined, tubular morphology: The statue is characterized by a pronounced verticality. It consists of a stylized head atop a long cylindrical neck, a domed torso with geometric forms, and extremely elongated legs that serve as pillars.
The base: The whole piece rests on a massive, round, thick base of unfinished wood, into which the long legs are anchored.
2. Anatomical analysis (from top to bottom)
The headdress and head:
The face is narrow, imbued with serenity and solemnity, and marked by geometric features characteristic of Senoufo art (straight nose, prominent chin, almond-shaped eyes).
The head is topped with a large, prominent headdress, carved with fine vertical grooves or scarification patterns reminiscent of crests or traditional ornaments.
The neck and torso:
The neck is unusually long and smooth, giving the figure a dignified appearance.
The domed torso has surfaces textured with incisions or visible gouge marks. Protrusions (the chest or symbolic attributes) are clearly visible, carved in relief on the body.
The lower limbs:
The legs are exceptionally elongated and cylindrical, resembling column shafts or pestles.
Subtle shaping suggests the knees, accentuating the piece's rigid, architectural appearance.
3. Material and Patina
Tropical wood: The work is carved from a hard, dense, heavy wood.
Patina: The surface offers an interesting visual contrast:
The upper part (head, neck, torso) has a dark, deep-brown to black patina, glossy in places, bearing witness to ritual handling, libations, and the passage of time.
The base and lower part of the feet reveal lighter, unfinished, natural shades, with traces of sawing or aging of the wood.
Cultural significance
Among the Senoufo, déblé statues play a central role in the rituals of the Poro initiation society. They are traditionally struck rhythmically against the ground during funerals or agricultural ceremonies to make the earth resonate, invoke the ancestors, and call for fertility and the protection of the community.
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Senoufo
Material. Wood
Dimensions . 100 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
This work displays the remarkable morphological and stylistic characteristics of the large déblé statues (or ancestral/spirit figures) of the Senoufo culture (Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso).
Here is a detailed description of this sculpture:
1. Structure and Composition
Streamlined, tubular morphology: The statue is characterized by a pronounced verticality. It consists of a stylized head atop a long cylindrical neck, a domed torso with geometric forms, and extremely elongated legs that serve as pillars.
The base: The whole piece rests on a massive, round, thick base of unfinished wood, into which the long legs are anchored.
2. Anatomical analysis (from top to bottom)
The headdress and head:
The face is narrow, imbued with serenity and solemnity, and marked by geometric features characteristic of Senoufo art (straight nose, prominent chin, almond-shaped eyes).
The head is topped with a large, prominent headdress, carved with fine vertical grooves or scarification patterns reminiscent of crests or traditional ornaments.
The neck and torso:
The neck is unusually long and smooth, giving the figure a dignified appearance.
The domed torso has surfaces textured with incisions or visible gouge marks. Protrusions (the chest or symbolic attributes) are clearly visible, carved in relief on the body.
The lower limbs:
The legs are exceptionally elongated and cylindrical, resembling column shafts or pestles.
Subtle shaping suggests the knees, accentuating the piece's rigid, architectural appearance.
3. Material and Patina
Tropical wood: The work is carved from a hard, dense, heavy wood.
Patina: The surface offers an interesting visual contrast:
The upper part (head, neck, torso) has a dark, deep-brown to black patina, glossy in places, bearing witness to ritual handling, libations, and the passage of time.
The base and lower part of the feet reveal lighter, unfinished, natural shades, with traces of sawing or aging of the wood.
Cultural significance
Among the Senoufo, déblé statues play a central role in the rituals of the Poro initiation society. They are traditionally struck rhythmically against the ground during funerals or agricultural ceremonies to make the earth resonate, invoke the ancestors, and call for fertility and the protection of the community.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Senoufo ancestor statue deble
Height
100 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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