Senufo Woman with Three Heads

This unusual sculpture must represent a natural spirit. Perhaps a diviner also conjured its magical power. Clearly, a great force radiates from within. The carving bears the mark of the Senufo, from the elongated torso to the crescent headdresses. The decorative scarifications found on the body and face are also typical of the Senufo, including the marks around the navel, the arches on the back of her shoulders, the curving lines under her eyes, and the slashes at the sides of her mouth. What is the significance of the three heads? This fact alone must identify the figure as a spirit of sorts. She appears a bit frightening. Her protruding mouth is open, bearing her teeth. Her globular eyes also have a sinister, almost hypnotic, gaze beneath the folds of her eyelids and the arches of her brows. Her long, sinuous arms hold two bracelets while her hands rest on her knees. She is seated upon a small stool, decorated by a carved band with a zigzag pattern. While the identity and powers of this spirit are a mystery, she is definitely someone you do not want to anger. – (PF.5725)