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Portfolios%20%3D%20%22356%22%20and%20Sort_Artist%20%3D%20%22Senufo%20artist%22
Sculpture
Rhythm Pounder (Deble)
Senufo artist, (active )
Senufo artist
Côte d'Ivoire
42 1/2 in. (108 cm)
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Wood
Wood
Senufo; made in Côte d'Ivoire
0
0
1900-2000, African art, religious & ritual objects, Senufo
Sculpture
In many African societies, life on earth is seen as part of a continuum that permits movement between the spirit and earthly worlds. As ancestors are in a position to assist the living, they must be respected and attended to. The rhythm pounders of the Senufo originally functioned as communication devices in calling the spirits of ancestors to participate in funerals. Held by the upper arms, the rhythm pounder’s thick base is thumped into the earth in rhythm with the sounds of chants, drums and rattles.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1969.72
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/10/2001
69.72SL1
slide
3/4 full
2 x 2
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glossy
3/4 full L
8 x 10
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glossy
3/4 full R
8 x 10
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negative
3/4 full
4 x 5
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69.72SL2
slide
detail-torso/head
2 x 2
00/00/00
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69.72DI1
digital image
3/4 full
2 x 2
00/00/00
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69.72DI#3
digital image
Front
3/10/2009
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69.72DI#2
digital image
Three-quarter
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/69.72_A2.jpg
Woodwork
Champion-Cultivator Staff
Senufo artist, (active )
Senufo artist
Côte d'Ivoire
Primary
54 in. (137.2 cm)
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Wood
Wood
Senufo; made in Côte d'Ivoire
0
0
Woodwork
During the annual hoeing contests of the Senufo, the farmer with the most agricultural prowess wins the champion-cultivator staff for one year. The voluptuous and regal figure, the epitome of Senufo beauty, is posted in the ground during competition to watch over and spur on the contestants. These contests are more than simple agricultural competitions; they weave a rich tapestry of art forms—drumming, singing, dancing, and sculpture—to turn back-breaking labor into an inspiring community ritual. The shiny area visible near the figure’s eye is likely residue from the ritual application of oil, a sacrificial offering made to the powers embodied in the staff.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1971.64
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/10/2001
71.64SL1
slide
2 x 2
00/00/00
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71.64DI#3
digital image
Side
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A3.jpg
71.64DI#1
digital image
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A1.jpg
71.64DI#4
digital image
Side
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A4.jpg
71.64DI#2
digital image
Three-quarter
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A2.jpg
Sculpture
Helmet Mask (Waniougo)
Senufo artist, (active )
Senufo artist
Côte d'Ivoire
Primary
14 3/8 x 25 3/4 x 13 in. (36.5 x 65.4 x 33 cm)
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Wood
Wood
Senufo; made in Côte d'Ivoire
0
0
masks
Sculpture
The sharp edges and angular forms of this double-faced mask (waniougo) result in a fierce and expressive presence. A fearsome appearance is desirable as waniougo’s role is to frighten away evil spirits wishing to harm a Senufo village at times of particular vulnerability, for example at funerals. Their appearance in nighttime masquerades enhances the otherworldly presence of these “firespitter” masks; embers or burning grass are held in front of the mouths through which the wearer blows to creating a dramatic shower of sparks into the night sky.
Waniougo combines the features of crocodiles (teeth), hippos (tusks), warthogs (upper tusks) and chameleons (two are visible on the top). In order to empower the mask before the ceremony, the cup held by the chameleons is filled with magical materials and the mask freshly painted with spots.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1970.22
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/10/2001
70.22TR1
transparency
4 x 5
00/00/00
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70.22SL1
slide
full
2 x 2
00/00/00
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negative
full
4 x 5
00/00/00
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glossy
full
8 x 10
00/00/00
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70.22DI1
digital image
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/70.22_A1.jpg