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Dimitri André

A Senufo Rhythmpounder, called Déblé, Boundiali region, Cote d'Ivoire. Signs of ritual use; Certificate of origin and provenance.

These large-scale statue are a very rare work of art among the Senufo, institutional style of professional sculpture, yet on some special occasions large works of art were commissioned by the male Poro society and also by their female counter equivalent society, the Tyekpa society. In the case of the Poro society, large statues of pairs were placed on public display near wooden shrines or shelters where the chosen society’s initiators gathered to celebrate and organize special events and funerals. The Poro society would commission statues such as this one to be carried and used in ritual processions or placed on the ground to serve as a focus point for the ceremonial dancers.

These statues might have also functioned as a large fetish figure or shrine-powered object to which ritual sacrifices were made on the statue. This type of sculpture was used in various ritual functions that would have taken place right before or after a Poro elder member died. The statue would have been carried by initiators of the Poro society who would visit the home of the deceased where sometimes the statue may have been placed beside the corpse of the deceased and covered in a shroud and shown to the public. The statue would then be carried in the funeral procession and accompanied the deceased to their burial place. There it was swung and pounded on the ground around the grave in a rhythmic manner in synchronized time to the music of the Poro society orchestra.

When the ceremony was complete and before nightfall, the grave was covered with soil as one of the Poro society’s members would perform the final gesture with the statue, leaping onto the grave and pounding the soil seven times. This pounding is to ensure that the spirit of the deceased person didn’t linger in the vicinity of the village compound.”

Source: Brauer Museum of Art.

A Senufo Rhythm Pounder, known locally as a déblé, is a sculpted wooden figure used in the cultural and spiritual practices of the Senufo people in West Africa, particularly in the northern regions of Côte d'Ivoire, such as Boundiali. These figures play a central role in the Poro society, a male secret society that governs various aspects of Senufo life, including initiation rites, fertility rituals, and funerary ceremonies.Brooklyn Museum

The déblé is typically carved in the form of an idealized female figure, embodying beauty and fertility. During rituals, Poro initiates hold the figure by its arms and pound its base on the ground to produce rhythmic sounds that accompany dances and chants. This act is believed to invoke spiritual forces and promote fertility, both in the community and the land. The figures are also placed in agricultural fields during planting seasons to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Senufo rhythm pounders are known for their stylized and abstract forms. Features such as elongated limbs, scarified torsos, and intricate coiffures are common. The figures often exhibit traces of ritual use, including wear on the arms from repeated handling. The craftsmanship reflects a deep understanding of form and symbolism, with each piece serving as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms.wolfgang-jaenicke

In the Boundiali region, these figures are crafted by local artisans and hold significant cultural value. For instance, a wooden déblé figure from the Boundiali region is described as a 114 cm tall carved wooden figure representing a woman, used as a rhythm pounder in rituals aimed at promoting soil fertility.

The déblé is also featured in the annual Djéguélé Festival held in Boundiali, which celebrates Senufo culture and the balafon, a traditional 12-key xylophone. The festival includes performances, dances, and rituals that highlight the region's rich musical and spiritual heritage.

The Senufo rhythm pounder is more than an artistic object; it is a vital element of the Senufo people's cultural and spiritual identity. Its presence in rituals underscores the interconnectedness of art, spirituality, and community life in Senufo society. In regions like Boundiali, these figures continue to serve as bridges between the past and present, preserving traditions and fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.

Wood - Fair condition

Senufo - Côte d'Ivoire  (No Reserve Price)

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Senufo - Côte d'Ivoire (No Reserve Price)

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