Location:
Northern
Côte d'Ivoire
Population: 600,000
Language:
Senufo (Voltaic)
Neighboring Peoples: Guro, Yaure,
Baule,
Malinke, Bamana,
Bete, Lobi, Kulango, Toussiana,
Dan
Types of Art: 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.
History: 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. Although they have certainly borrowed knowledge from their neighbors,
they have not had to fear constant attacks and social upheaval.
Economy: Senufo agriculture is typical of the region, including
millet, sorghum, maize, rice, and yams. They also grow bananas, manioc,
and a host of other crops that have been borrowed from cultures throughout
the world. Small farm animals such as sheep, goats, chickens, guinea fowl,
and dogs are raised. Minimal amounts of hunting and fishing also contribute
to the local economy. Labor is divided between farmers and skilled artisans,
and while it was once thought that these segments of society did not intermarry,
Glaze's observations noted that there was a degree of flexibility to this
notion.
Political Systems: Senufo towns can range in size from about
50 up to 2,000 inhabitants. They are divided along ethnic lines which
are tied to a particular matrilineage. These divisions (katioula) reflect
the economic and social status of each lineage within the community and
include farmers (Fono), blacksmiths (Kule), carvers (Kpeene), or brass
casters (Tyeli, responsible for making divination ornaments), or leather
workers. There are four societies which educate and govern the actions
of individuals. They are Poro, Sandogo, Wambele ("the sorcerers'
society"), and Tyekpa, which is found only among the Fodonon.
Religion: There are a number of revered ancestor and bush spirits
among the Senufo. Maleeo and Kolotyolo ("Ancient Mother" and
"Creator God") represent a dualistic deity. Kolotyolo is not
approachable and can only be reached through Yiriigifolo or Nyehene. In
the region of Kufulo, Maleeo is represented by the sacred drums before
whom all thieves and murderers are brought for trial. The Poro society
is reserved primarily for men, although young girls and postmenopausal
women are permitted to join. The main function of Poro is to guarantee
a good relationship between the living world and the ancestors. Nerejao
is an ancestress who is recognized as the true head of the Poro society.
Divination, which is governed by the Sandogo society, is also an important
part of Senufo religion. Although Sandogo is usually considered a women's
society, men who are called to the profession and inherit through the
matrilineal line are permitted to become diviners.
View
all of our Senufo masks
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