This is the rating and price for African Mali Wood Female Figure

Description : West Africa, Mali, Bamana or Senufo, early 20th century CE. A hand carved wooden female with traits characteristic of a Bamana Guannyeni standing attendant or possibly the female member of a Senufo primordial couple. The figure shows an elongated head with a crescent-shaped coiffure and bold facial features. Emphasis is placed upon her breasts and buttocks. What's more, beneath the colorful skirt, her hands are positioned just above her privates, framing her clitoris. Incised striations represent scarification marks upon her face and neck as well as detailing of her coiffure. Quite a patina has developed on the surface from handling over the years. Mounted on square base. Size: 2.875 W x 16.75 H (7.3 cm x 42.5 cm) In her discussion of the cultural context of Senufo statuary at the occasion of the exhibition Genesis: Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, LaGamma (2002: 30 et seq.) explains: According to the Senufo account of genesis, Kolotyolo, the creator, gave life to the first man and woman, who became the first human couple. The woman conceived and gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy. [...] The ideal of human male-female duality [...] also informs Senufo conceptions of the divine, especially the bipartite deity that is central to Senufo religious belief. Kolotyolo, the male aspect of divinity responsible for creation and 'bringing us forth,' is a benevolent but relatively remote presence who is balanced by a more accessible female dimension known as Katyeleeo, or Ancient Mother. She is a divine protectress responsive to the needs of the community. Within Senufo society, an optimal relationship with this divinity and the ancestors is assured through Poro, an initiation-based organization whose teachings also prepare members for responsible and enlightened leadership. Participation in Poro is universal among Senufo males, who safeguard their community's social and political welfare by making frequent sacrifices to the ancestors - conceived as past children of Ancient Mother - so that they may intercede on behalf of her current, living children. Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #112086
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