Senufo Standing Female Pombia Figure, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire #821


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  • Senufo Standing Female Pombia Figure, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire #821
  • A Female Pombia Senufo Sculpture, Côte d'Ivoire, of the Northern Korhogo style with slightly bent knees, posted on a semi-spherical, fragmentary base, holding the elongated, curved breasts in Her hands.
  • Men's Poro and Women's Sandogo Associations commit themselves to the Physical and Spiritual Well-being of Senufo Communities.
  • Although Divination in Northern Côte d'Ivoire is most often associated with Sandogo Women, not all Diviners are members of the Organization. Senior Poro Members and other enterprising Men also establish Divination Practices. The height of this Figure suggests that it served as a Spirit Figure on an Altar belonging to a Senior Member of Poro.
  • Sculptures on Divination Altars reflect the status, prestige, and skill of their owners and appeal to Spiritual Intermediaries. This Female Spirit Figure was known as a type of Pombia Sculpture that Poro Members carry in Procession or place in a central courtyard during Funeral and Commemorative Ceremonies for deceased Poro Elders.
  • Female Figures in Senufo Male/ Female Pairs stand taller than Her Male companion, reflecting an aesthetic choice common in Senufo Sculpture. Artists elevate the stature of the Female Form to Honor Women and allude to their Maternal Roles in Poro, an Initiation Cycle that transforms Uninitiated Boys into Productive Adults.
  • Membership in Poro is largely Male and in Sandogo is largely Female. The Arts and Practices of both Institutions demonstrate the Interdependence of Both Genders.
  • Measurements: 57cm (approx 22.5 inches)
  • Condition: Excellent. The fine resinous patina documents a long lasting ritual use.