Door Panel, Secret Society Shrine

Accession Number
1975/1.68

Title
Door Panel, Secret Society Shrine

Artist(s)
Senufo

Artist Nationality
Senufo (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1800-1971

Medium & Support
carved wood and metal

Dimensions
51 1/2 in x 27 1/2 in x 1 1/4 in (130.8 cm x 69.8 cm x 3.2 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Irving F. Burton

Label copy
Such decorated doors are found in the northern region of Senufoland. Doors are emblems of social status and prestige. They are used for the houses of important people and sacred architecture associated with a powerful secret society called Poro. The chameleon, tortoise, python, hornbill, and crocodile are cited in Senufo myths about the primordial world. Some symbolize fertility. The equestrian figure is an emblem of a diviner. The disk and cross-hatchings denote the sun and crop fields.

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
Birds
doors
face
faces
masks
panels
snakes
turtles

& Author Notes

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