Male Spirit Figure

This figure is the male of a male-female pair of Poro spirit figures which may represent primordial founding ancestors that feature in Senufo creation myths. Poro is a complex male initiation association in which all Senufo men are socialized and instructed through a staged series of initiations spread over many years. Spirit figures like this one, along with its female partner, are brought out during initiation rites to reinforce Poro teachings.