SENUFO, IVORY COAST

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Male-female figural pairs known as tugubele are the most important objects used in Senufo divination. Placed before a diviner and client during a consultation, the sculptures embody bush spirits that offer guidance to those who seek their help. Novice diviners often use small copper alloy figures, while established ones might commission a wood sculpture from a carver or a blacksmith. Possessing the tools required for carving, blacksmiths frequently perform this task in West African societies. Specific details that individualize the spirit, such as armbands or other accouterments, often appear in a diviner’s or artist’s dreams. Their inclusion is highly valued as they suggest a close relationship between diviner and spirit.

Regardless of material or degree of complexity, a tugu’s beauty must appeal to the spirit associated with it. Like this work, most have oiled black surfaces that are considered attractive. Female figures display the radiating scarification pattern around the navel known as “mother of twins”or“mother’s navel,” identifying a woman who has been initiated into Senufo society. During ceremonies, tugubele might be joined by additional figures such as twins or a horse and rider.

This seated female tugu shows a lovely geometric morphology, with jaw and breasts jutting dramatically in parallel below a high coiffure. The vertical profile is strong and erect, with a taut curve sweeping through the back from the shoulders to the buttocks. Bent arms encircled with bands poise the hands between the projecting navel and the stylized skirt wrapping the seated hips. Incised and raised details depict earrings and facial scarifications. The attitude and aspect of the figure is composed and alert, ready to hear the appeal of the diviner.

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