Senufo Bronze Sandogo Divination Bangle, Ivory Coast

Description

Senufo women, members of the Sandogo (or Sandoho) secret society whose members are exclusively women, practice divination, this being the secret society’s principal role.
The prominent protective spirit figure depicted may take on either male or females attributes.
Due to its diameter, it is obvious that this bangle was worn by a woman.
Excellent patina, early 20th century – Collected in Burkina Faso.

Diameter: 6,5 cm (3 5/8″)
Circumference: 20,4 cm (11.35″)

*Please refer to a similar piece in Bronzes et autres alliages by André Blandin, nouvelle édition ( 2000) p. 52