Senufo Female Figure Côte d'Ivoire

This is a wonderful example of a standing female figure with a beautiful body in the finest Senufo tradition. The angular jaw and exaggerated hairstyle are the hallmarks of the Senufo form. Her breasts show scarification patterns and her pose is in accordance with the known motifs.

The Senufo people, residing in West Africa (primarily Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso), are renowned for their rich artistic traditions, particularly in the creation of masks and figures. These artifacts play a crucial role in various cultural and spiritual practices, including initiation rites, funerals, and agricultural festivals. Senufo figures, often made of wood, depict human forms with stylized features and intricate details, serving as representations of ancestors, spiritual intermediaries, or symbols of power. These figures are utilized in divination practices for guidance and communication with the spiritual realm. The distinctive artistic style of Senufo art, characterized by geometric shapes and abstract designs, has gained global recognition for its aesthetic beauty and cultural significance, with many pieces housed in museums and private collections worldwide.