Figurine
Artist unknown
19th-20th c.
4.1 x 2.2 x 0.6 cm
Côte d’Ivoire
Copper Alloy
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
1979.206.41
This figurine native to Senufo culture encapsulates healing and divinity and is an object for spiritual protection and health. Included in the MET, this anthropomorphic object crafted with copper alloy promoted healing for people suffering from illness through its perceived power that shields people from evil spirits. Additionally, the size of the figurine allowed for it to be distributed throughout the community, reinforcing its protection over the Senufo people. Spiritual health is often a taboo subject because of the stigma associated with it, calling into question the object’s legitimacy as a trusted source of healing. However, it is as important as physical and mental health, because of its ability to strengthen connections within communities. While the reliance on divine entities through objects decreased from emerging scientific medicine, this figurine serves as a reminder of the power of belief that allowed objects of this nature to thrive for so long.
Tyrese Duncan-Moore ’22
Bibliography
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This article investigates the reasoning why Senufo women may choose traditional medicine over professional medicine.
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A very comprehensive text of art traditions within different countries in Africa.
Insoll, Timothy. 2011. Introduction. shrines, substances and medicine in sub-saharan africa: Archaeological, anthropological, and historical perspectives. Anthropology & Medicine 18 (2): 145-66.
A look on the links between spiritual shrines and spiritual practices through an anthropological lens.
