Rhythm Pounder in the Form of a Woman, Senufo, Ivory Coast

Rhythm Pounder in the Form of a Woman, Senufo, Ivory Coast
African Tribal Art: Senufo people, Ivory Coast. Carved wood, with a dark, patinated finish. Early 20th Century. Standing, elongated figure of a woman. A well carved face and hair do completer the head. The body shows scarification patterns and jewelry adornments. The figure would be lifted by it's arms or neck and pounded into the ground, beating rhythm for a dance or ceremony. The finish is worn from being held, and the base shows distress from hitting the earth.