Ancient Mother

Entered as a deity (the female 'Ancient Mother' aspect of the Senufo supreme being and tutelary of Poro). 'Katyeleeo' = Ancient Mother; 'deble' (pl. debele) = rhythm pounder; 'pombibele' = 'those who give birth'. Sources: Glaze (1981); Holas (1957/1966); Met Museum.

Domains

• earth motherhood
• initiation protection

Powers

• to nurture and watch over the initiates of Poro and the community
• to sit in judgment over thieves and murderers

Relations

• companion: Creator God

Sources

• Anita J. Glaze, Art and Death in a Senufo Village (1981)
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 'Senufo Arts and Poro Initiation in Northern Côte d'Ivoire', Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History