|
Tribe Snapshots Senufo |
| Location: |
Northern Côte
d'Ivoire, Mali |
| Population: |
600,000 |
| Language: |
Senufo (Voltaic) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Guro, Yaure, Baule, Malinke,
Bamana,
Bobo,
Lobi, Kulango,
Toussiana |
| Types
of Art: |
All Senufo art is made by specialized artisans,
which may diminish regional stylistic differences.
Figures representing the ancestors are common,
as are brass miniatures and small statues, which
are used in divination. There are several types
of masks used by the Poro society. |
| History: |
The Senufo are made up of a number of diverse
subgroups who migrated into their current location
from the north during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Unlike their neighbors to the north they have
remained relatively sheltered from intrusive cultures
including the Songhai and Hausa. Although they
have certainly borrowed knowledge from their neighbors,
they have not had to fear constant attacks and
social upheaval. |
| Economy: |
Senufo agriculture is typical of the region,
including millet, sorghum, maize, rice, and yams.
They also grow bananas, manioc, and a host of
other crops that have been borrowed from cultures
throughout the world. Small farm animals such
as sheep, goats, chickens, guinea fowl, and dogs
are raised. Minimal amounts of hunting and fishing
also contribute to the local economy. Labor is
divided between farmers and skilled artisans,
and while it was once thought that these segments
of society did not intermarry, Glaze's observations
noted that there was a degree of flexibility to
this notion. |
| Political
Systems: |
Senufo towns can range in size from about 50
up to 2,000 inhabitants. They are divided along
ethnic lines which are tied to a particular matrilineage.
These divisions (katioula) reflect the economic
and social status of each lineage within the community
and include farmers (Fono), blacksmiths (Kule),
carvers (Kpeene), or brass casters (Tyeli, responsible
for making divination ornaments), or leather workers.
There are four societies which educate and govern
the actions of individuals. They are Poro, Sandogo,
Wambele ("the sorcerers' society"), and Tyekpa,
which is found only among the Fodonon. |
| Religion: |
There are a number of revered ancestor and bush
spirits among the Senufo. Maleeo and Kolotyolo
("Ancient Mother" and "Creator God") represent
a dualistic deity. Kolotyolo is not approachable
and can only be reached through Yiriigifolo or
Nyehene. In the region of Kufulo, Maleeo is represented
by the sacred drums before whom all thieves and
murderers are brought for trial. The Poro society
is reserved primarily for men, although young
girls and postmenopausal women are permitted to
join. The main function of Poro is to guarantee
a good relationship between the living world and
the ancestors. Nerejao is an ancestress who is
recognized as the true head of the Poro society.
Divination, which is governed by the Sandogo society,
is also an important part of Senufo religion.
Although Sandogo is usually considered a women's
society, men who are called to the profession
and inherit through the matrilineal line are permitted
to become diviners. |
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