Standing male figure · Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3039634
Christie’s, Paris, 11 June 2007, lot 64
Belgian Private Collection
Description
wood, rich black patina, encrusted in some areas, clear defined body and facial features, carved with bracelets and necklace, prominent hat, slightly dam., permanent vertical crack on the right side of head and body (filled with mass), crack at the base, slightly dam. (hat backside), abrasion of paint, metal base;
the broad Sudanic hat identifies the figure as a champion cultivator “sambali”, a title given to those whose strength, perseverance and willingness to endure pain during countless hoeing contests have earned them the most prestigious honour a man can achieve. The figure would have belonged to a woman “sando” diviner as a luxury scupture, for praise the tutelary spirits strength and superior powers.
Comparing literature
Barbier, Jean Paul (ed.), Art of Côte d' Ivoire, Vol II, Genève 1993, p. 26, ill. 23