Djimini Do Society Standing Wood Figure Ghana

Overall Condition: Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Damaged feet, cracks through face

The Djimini Do Society is a traditional African cultural group that has a rich history of artistic expression and community organization. The society is primarily based in the Côte d'Ivoire and is known for its intricate wooden sculptures, masks, and other forms of visual art.

Though being heavily influenced by the neighboring Senufo in their art, the Ligbi/Ligbe and Djimini people of the Côte d'Ivoire have incorporated these influences into their own identifiable style. Similar to Senufo "Kpeliyee/Kpelie" masks! This Ligbi version retains the Kpeliyee mask elements of the wings by the eyes and hairline, bird legs at the side of the face and the scarification marks on the face. Another mark of Ligbi origin is the use of the patterned scarification above the eyes and the elaborate coiffure very similar to the Baule hairstyles.

The Djimini Do Society is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, and its cultural practices and artistic traditions have been passed down through generations of members. The society's members are known for their deep connection to the natural world and their belief in the importance of community and collective responsibility.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Djimini Do Society's art is its use of wooden sculptures and masks. These works are typically carved from a single piece of wood and are decorated with intricate patterns and symbols. The masks are often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, and are believed to have spiritual significance. They are also prized as works of art in their own right, and many have been collected by museums and private collectors around the world.

In addition to their visual art, the Djimini Do Society is also known for its music and dance. Traditional instruments like the balafon and the djembe are used to create lively rhythms that are accompanied by group dances and chanting. These performances are an important part of the society's cultural identity and are often used to mark important occasions like weddings, funerals, and other rites of passage.

Overall, the Djimini Do Society is an important part of African cultural heritage, and its artistic traditions continue to inspire artists and scholars around the world. From its intricate wooden sculptures and masks to its lively music and dance performances, the society's art reflects a deep connection to nature, community, and spiritual belief.

The Djimini Senufo of Cote d'Ivoire, numbering 175,000, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are part of the Gur people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. This people group is only found in Cote d'Ivoire. Their primary language is Djimini Senoufo.

The primary religion practiced by the Djimini Senufo is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.