Equestrian figure

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Senufo peoples consult diviners (sando), who invoke nature spirits to determine the cause of and remedy for an illness or misfortune. These ambiguous nature spirits (madebele)—believed to live in the forest (or “bush” as it is commonly called), fields, and streams surrounding Senufo villages—both cause and cure misfortune.

Standing female figure (1974.Sc.1)

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The durable hardwood used to carve this figure indicates the tall, slender female was someone of importance or status. Sculpted with naturalistic proportions and raised dot scarification on her temples, she is elaborately clothed in an apron rather than nude, adorned with beaded necklaces, and posed standing rather than kneeling as a supplicant.

An Mbala Maternity Figure

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Power and authority in Mbala society rests in the female line. Their fertility sculptures depict a seated or standing female carrying a child on her left hip, nursing an infant with her left breast, or holding a child with her left hand to reinforce the idea that “left” and “left hand” are synonymous with femininity.

Pfemba: A maternity figure

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This pfemba, as such maternity figures are called, is the epitome of feminine beauty, composure, and intense concentration. Her upswept miterlike hairstyle or hat, which was worn by both men and women, frames her face with its carefully composed expression. Her imported glass eyes “see” beyond this world. Beautifying features include filed teeth and scarification patterns on her neck, back, and shoulders.

1974.Sc.18 Headdress (_D'mba_)

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This colossal headdress represents D'mba, the universal mother, symbol of mature femininity. She is concerned with fertility as well as the prosperity and well-being of the entire community. Unlike other masks which were designed to cover only the face and head of the wearer, masks like this D'mba headdress were designed to cover both. Shoulder masks are often very heavy.
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