How was the Senufo mask made?
This Senufo mask, made of copper alloy, was cast in the style of the more widespread masks carved in wood (kpelie or kpele-yehe).
What is Senufo Art?
The art of the Senufo, born in a vast geographical area across West Africa, was key in the creation of the artistic avant-garde in the early twentieth century. With its cubist shapes and striking masks, Senufo art inspired visionary artists from Miró to Fernand Léger.
Where is the Senufo tribe located?
The Senufo people live in West Africa. Experts estimate their population at over 2,500,000. Sharing a common language and culture, the Senufo live in a region that encompasses parts of the nation-states of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (also known as Ivory Coast), and Mali.
What language do the Senufo speak?
Senufo, also spelled Senoufo, a group of closely related peoples of northern Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and southeastern Mali. They speak at least four distinct languages (Palaka, Dyimini, and Senari in Côte d’Ivoire and Suppire in Mali), which belong to the Gur branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
What is the traditional language of the Senufo people?
They speak at least four distinct languages (Palaka, Dyimini, and Senari in Côte d’Ivoire and Suppire in Mali), which belong to the Gur branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
What is the significance of the mother and child figure from the Kongo from the late 19th century?
The figure of a mother and child is an icon of Kongo art. It is not a simple genre theme, but a statement of the spiritual power supporting society, the need for fertility and the promise of future generations.
How can the Dogon sculpture of the seated couple best be described?
This sculpture was carved from a single piece of wood by a Dogon artist, in Mali, Western Africa. The Dogon peoples value equal partnerships in marriage, just like this proud pair. Both figures’ legs, arms, torsos, and necks form parallel, vertical lines, showing that they are independent people.
What do the Senufo Tagba butter from?
sheanut
Butter is made by processing sheanut (pronounced she-nut) kernels. First the kernels are boiled and dried. They are then pounded by adolescent girls in the village, who have the strength and endurance for this demanding task.
Why is farming thought to be the noblest profession among the Senufo Tagba?
Farming is considered the first and noblest profession. It is thought of as the profession of free people who have control over what they do in their lives and when they do it. Everyone does some farming during the rainy season (approximately late May through early October).
Who are the Senufo and what are their masks?
There are several types of masks used by the Poro society. The Senufo are made up of a number of diverse subgroups who migrated into their current location from the north during the 15th and 16th centuries. Unlike their neighbors to the north they have remained relatively sheltered from intrusive cultures including the Songhai and Hausa.
What is an enufo mask?
S enufo masks are created by specialist artists who live apart from the rest of their village. Senufo masks combine features of animals and humans in a single design.
Who are the Senufo people?
The Senufo people and reside primarily in Côte d’Ivoire, with some also living in Burkina Faso and Mali. The kpelie mask is used by men’s societies for the initiation of boys into adulthood, in funerals of important villagers, and in harvest festivals celebrating and giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest.
How is Senufo art made?
All Senufo art is made by specialized artisans, which may diminish regional stylistic differences. Figures representing the ancestors are common, as are brass miniatures and small statues, which are used in divination. There are several types of masks used by the Poro society.