Figure - (Pombibele) Senufo peoples, Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa

Description

Figure -
(Pombibele)
Senufo peoples, Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa
The Senufo, "reclassified" descendants of MANY original-migratory Semitic peoples dispersed throughout Africa and beyond, are the dominant culture in Cote d'Ivoire and across the border into Mali. They carved numerous male and female figures as well as many remarkable masks. Most adhere rather strictly to a known set of proportions, but some can be quite abstract.
Many Senufo art-works were produced by "professional"carvers known to the village, and this accounts for the rather standardized "look" found in the majority of their traditional (archetype) figural objects.
Among the Senufo statues of this category are known as rhythm pounder
(Pombibele)
figures. The rhythm pounders were used in both funeral and initiation ceremonies.
This is a skillfully-crafted example of one of the most famous of West African sculptures.
So-called "rhythm pounders" were used during the funerals of important members of the "Poro" Society --- a very powerful regulatory force throughout much of coastal West Africa.
They are associated with loud booming noises when groups of them are struck on the ground, many are actually carried, and not used to make a sound at all.
Condition:
(see photos)
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Measures 56 inches tall x 8 inches wide x 7.5 inches deep.
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A VERY GOOD example, with age and excellent patina.
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Various stable age cracks, erosion, wear, scuffs / scrapes and repairs (to insect damage) exist.  Nice display of scarifications on the figure, and symbolic snake on the base.
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Examples such as this are not easy to find, and will be expensive.
Shipping costs are affected by package size ... "Dem Weight", so if you think shipping costs are excessive and unreasonable, contact USPS, FED EX / UPS and quote a package 12" x 12" x 58" at approx. 25-30 pounds and see what the actual fees are (especially to NY and East Coast areas) ...
International buyers, shipping costs will be more.