The Senufo group, based in the Ivory Coast
and
Mali area, has a long history of using highly
decorated objects in many aspects of
everyday
life. However, their extremely high level of skill
in
woodcarving is nowhere better seen than in
the
realm of their magical-religious art. At the
heart
of Senufo society is a patriarchal group of
elders
known as the Poro society, which is
responsible
for many religious and more urbane functions
to
do with the running of the tribal group. Their
ceremonial events are often associated with
dancing, music and the use of Pombilele
sculptures. “Pombilele” literally translates as
“those who give birth”, and traditionally
constitute a pair of figures (one male, one
female) who represent primordial humanity and
the ancestry of all humankind. Most examples,
however, are of single, female figures. The
appearance of these figures is relatively
homogenous, being tall, slim and somewhat
angular. However, the personal characteristics
of
each sculpture were often based upon a
dream
or vision by a Poro elder. The figures were
used
as pounding devices (holding each arm) to
keep
the rhythm for dancing, or were stood for
purposes of contemplation in the middle of the
Poro society’s sacred enclosures. They are
also
used for the interment of prominent Poro
members; they are carried to the graveside
with
the dead body, then used to tamp down the
earth on top of the grave, to ensure that the
spirit of the dead is directed to the afterlife
rather
than returning to haunt the living.
In addition, style characteristic of Senufo
Pounders is their large and slender figure with
stylized facial features and little to no body
decorations. Pieces like this one are examples
of
the fine craftsmanship of the Senufo as well as
sacred remnants of their ritual practices.
- (PH.0249)
|
