Rhythm Pounder c. 19th century

The Senufo people, from Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, created this sculpture, called Rhythm Pounder, out of wood. These figures were historically used in rituals. They were pounded against the earth in rhythmic motions during funerals and agricultural ceremonies. They were believed to channel ancestral spirits. The androgynous figures, like this one, often feature both male and female characteristics. The breasts on this sculpture tell us that these figures were often understood to represent the vital role of women in Senufo society, particularly their contributions to fertility and agriculture. The Rhythm Pounder sculptures go beyond traditional gender representations. They embody a broader spectrum of identities and roles in Senufo culture, connecting the earthly and spiritual realms. They speak to the community's identity, history, and the cyclical nature of life.