Big standing female figure, Coulibaly workshop
Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo
sold
EUR 3,200
Provenance
Diaou Mamadou, Paris, France (1964)Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
Size
H: 80 cm
H: 31.5 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, glass beads, cloth, projection in the shape of a kalao birds beak above the forehead, min. dam., insect caused damage (base), cracks, traces of abrasion.
The Senufo, scattered over the north of Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali, are a farming tribe. They developed an artistic vocabulary linked to the earth and to fecundity. The world of the Senufo is ruled by the important secret society of the “poro”, based on a caste system of age and initiation.
Sculptures of this size may have been used during festivities to celebrate advancement from one age-grade class to the next in the “poro” society.
Comparing literature
Barbier, Jean Paul (ed.), Art of Côte d' Ivoire, Vol I, Genève 1993, p. 49, ill. 44 Barbier, Jean Paul (ed.), Art of Côte d' Ivoire, Vol II, Genève 1993, p. 28, ill. 25 Nooter Roberts, Mary & Alison Saar, Body Politics, Los Angeles 2000, p. 65, ill. 4Publications
AHDRC: 0150470