North Ivory Coast

Senufo

The Senufo people, living primarily in Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso, express their culture through art, politics, economy, and religion. Senufo artisans use diverse techniques like metal casting, woodcarving, pottery-making, and weaving to convey cultural narratives and symbolic meanings, reflecting their societal dynamics and spiritual beliefs. Senufo people traditionally live in decentralized villages with local councils that facilitate communal decision-making and collective governance. Economically, farming is supplemented by hunting, fishing, and trade, and Senufo communities are often interdependent with neighboring societies. Senufo religious practices center on renewal and connection to the land. However, many Senufo people have converted to Christianity and Islam over the past century, and some of the traditional artwork that depicted religious subjects is now interpreted through the view of secular cultural heritage.

Bracelet
#1998.04.E.36  ●  Curated by Isabel Brunker

Brass bracelets are used by some members of the Senufo culture in divination practices. Though bracelets are most often seen as a fashion accessory or symbol of wealth, divination bracelets are displayed, rather than worn, during the ritual. Though it was created by the master brass caster Songi Sono, the bracelet’s features were probably chosen by a diviner to reference a specific spirit contacted through divination, though it is ambiguous who the central figure represents.

Axe
#1998.04.E.38  ●  Curated by Catherine Carpenter

Though it looks like it could chop wood, this ceremonial axe is a symbol of the Senufo Poro secret society. Poro is a secret society of men whose function is to ensure a good relationship between the natural world and the Senufo people. Like many West African secret societies, it also serves as a political institution that brings communities together through shared symbols. Observe the mythical dragon, chameleon, and swirls on the axe. If you are not initiated into the secrets of Poro, it is impossible to fully see the meaning behind these symbols.

Gong
#1998.04.E.45.a-b  ●  Curated by Katie Hess

This musical instrument is intended to be heard, rather than seen. It is on display in the Beyond Drumming exhibit, but a hands-on replica is featured in this exhibit. Visitors were invited to use the striker to reach into the box and strike the gong, and scrape the striker against the notches on the gong’s body. Press play below to hear the sound of the gong. Imagine that these sounds are accompanied by steady drumbeats and melodic bell chimes as young Senufo men demonstrate their acrobatic skills during sacred Poro ceremonies.