The physical and spiritual life of Senufo communities is safeguarded by the men’s poro society and the women’s sandogo society. These associations govern behavioral norms, beliefs, and a variety of important age-grade initiation rites, all part of the ongoing work that serves “Old Mother,” the female aspect of the supreme deity. Masks, figures, costumes, and regalia are abundant in poro and sandogo activities, such that a large part of the artistic output of the Senufo is attributed to them.

Divination is another significant function of poro, carried out by senior members of the association. Large male and female spiritfigures (ndebele, sing. ndeo) are obtained for their altars, the female often standing taller than the male – a common pattern in Senufo art that honors the woman as the protector and ancestral progenitor of poro initiates. The beauty of altar figures reflects the prestige and skill of the diviner and has an attractive effect upon the spirits to which the practitioner appeals.

This fine female ndeo projects a strong and almost resplendent power. Its massive shoulders, multi-lobed coiffure, firm stance, severe visage, and projecting breasts and umbilicus combine to dramatic effect in an embodiment of maternal authority. Defined by a forceful interplay of large, echoing columnar and protuberant shapes, the figure also shows more delicate relief-carved details, with scarification designs decorating the face, torso, and buttocks, and an amulet-like necklace draped around the neck.

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