During the funerals of important elders of the Senufo men’s Poro society, rhythm pounders are rhythmically swung by the arms and struck against the ground in time with the music of the funeral orchestra. This action compels ancestor spirits to continue to participate in the funeral ceremony. Standing female figure (rhythm pounder), 19th to 20th century; Wood, cowrie shells, and red abrus seeds; Africa, Southeastern Mali, Senufo peoples