A Senufo horseman. A very long horse with emphasized genitalia surmounted by a naked rider with also empasized genitalia, his finely crafted hands holding the quiver and the bow, as well as the horse's reins, the rider is wearing a belt and an amulet; a part of the bow is broken off, partly shiny brown patina. Certificate of providence.

This equestrian figure is incredibly refined in carving style and sophistication of concept marrying traditional accoutrements of prestige into an equestrian composition. The carver exhibits a wonderful play of scale and proportions in this figure.

The rider wears a broad Sudanic helmet that identifies him as a champion cultivator, sambali, 'a title given to those whose strength,  perseverence and willingness to endure pain...have earned them the most prestigious honor a man can achieve'. See Barbier, ed. (1993: 26) for a closely related figure, collected before 1939, wearing this type of hat which was made by the farmers themselves.

The Senufo 'associate horses with leadership, wealth, status, hunting and militarism. Riders sculpted by Senufo artists are often armed with spears at the ready. They represent the multi-dimensional powers of madabele (forest or 'bush' spirits). In equestrian statuary a bush spirit is shown as a forceful, well-armed leader, or fanhafolo ('power-owner'). Bush spirits are capricious, fast-traveling, nocturnal, mysterious and aggressive.. . .Such figures are display pieces in a diviner's or priest's shrine where. . . they connote luxury, good taste and prestige' (Cole 1983: 11-13).

sold

Height: 33,5 cm
Weight: 1,7 kg