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Standing Woman
19th-20th century; Côte d'Ivoire, Guro; Wood, beads; height 52 cm
(20 1/2 in.); Bequest of Robert H. Tannahill; 70.95
Figures such as this Mi iri ni ("small wooden people") were used
by the Guro of Côte d'Ivoire as sacred intermediaries between the
human and supernatural realms. Placed against the back wall of a
shrine house to receive prayers and offerings of eggs and kola
nuts, they were asked to carry messages in the forms of dreams
from protective spirits called zuzu to help the living solve
problems.
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