SENUFO Drum 4 |
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SENUFO Drum 4 |
Bird Staff Finials |
 Bird Head 1 |
Maternity Figures SOLD
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Figures SOLD |
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Doors SOLD |
Mask 6 |
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 ARCHIVES ONLY, ALL SOLD |
"Firespitter" Masks SOLD |
Helmets SOLD |
 SENUFO STOOLS ARCHIVES ONLY, ALL SOLD |
SENUFO STYLE "Firespitter" Masks ARCHIVES |
Masks SOLD
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Gourds SOLD |
Drums SOLD |
Headdress 1 SOLD |
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SENUFO, HORNBILL FIGURES 1, Ivory Coast
Hornbill figures, called Setien or Porpianong, were used by the Lo and Poro societies. A symbol of fertility and the original ancestor cult, the hornbill was the mythological founder of the Senufo people. The figures were originally worn on the head during long dances and processions. The Setien, hermaphrodictic, represent procreation, with their long hooked beaks touching their protruding stomachs that they have fertilized, therefore being the carrier of life and a symbol of continuity to future generations.
Hornbills are noble birds; they mate for life, they share equally in the raising of their young who they protect by spreading their wings. They are depicted in their erect, protective stance.
The variety of size, style, skill and surface finish reflects the range of the more than a million Senufo peoples living in the Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.
SENUFO, STOOLS, Ivory Coast
Senufo stools, carved from single blocks of wood are wonderfully simple sculptural forms. Most of ours are worn smooth on top by use. We have stacked them to show relative size and unintended sculptural possibilities. They are sold seperately.
SENUFO, DRUMS, Ivory Coast
Drums are among the most important art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling and communication of messages.
SENUFO, MASKS, Ivory Coast
These refined face masks represent women, are danced by men, and are usually associated with the Poro association. Called "Beautiful Lady" masks, they come with many variations, with rich and complex symbolism.
SENUFO, MATERNITY FIGURES, Ivory Coast
Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style., African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births. The prevelance of the maternity theme testifies to the importance of women and children to the continuity of each people.
SENUFO, FIRESPITTER MASKS, Ivory Coast
These large horizontal masks, composites of several animals, were called Kponungo, or "funeral head masks". Used by both Poro and non-Poro male societies, these helmet masks embodied an aggressive supernatural power to combat any forces that might disrupt the well-being of the community. The powerful features of antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthogs, hornbills chameleons and humans combined to symbolize power and to recall important myths. They were used in anti-witchcraft ceremonies.
The term "Firespitter" is used by outsiders because of how some of the masks were performed.
SENUFO, BEDS, Ivory Coast
Senufo beds, carved from single blocks of hardwood, are wonderfully simple, elegant forms, with raised "pillows" and four massive legs that taper downward. Most of ours are worn smooth on top by use. They range in size from 68" to 96" long and in weight from 24 lbs. (no.2) to 170 lbs. (no. 8). The beds are relatively flat and can function as a utilitarian low "coffee" table in our culture. The large ones are not normally shippable.
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