Female Figure
Senufo Artist, Ivory Coast

Details
Title
Female Figure
Artist/Maker
Senufo Artist, Ivory Coast
Date
Nineteenth century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
11 3/8 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/2 inches (28.9 cm × 8.3 cm × 6.4 cm)
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
2002.283
As intercessors to the spirit world, Senufo diviners use sculptures like this one to secure ancestral blessings. The beauty of these sculptures reflects the stature and prestige of diviners and their clients. This figure’s upright posture communicates a sense of dignified authority and its clearly articulated forms have a commanding presence. Repeated applications of palm oil make its surface glisten.
More from this Artist
Browse Related Artwork

Teapot Museum, South Carolina
Burk Uzzle

Lee Square, Richmond, Virginia
Kris Graves

Gem’s Arm
Rahim Fortune

Say My Name
Fahamu Pecou