A Senufo horseman, Cote d'Ivoire.Dark wood, glossy patina; signs of ritual use and age. Certificate of provenance.

"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: 28 cm
Weight: 350 g