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Senufo Hornbill Statue Bird Figure Headdress Head Crest Antique African Mask Tribal Sculpture Mali
Senufo Sacred Hornbill Bird Figure Poro Society Headdress Head Crest Antique African Mask - Tribal Sculpture - Cote d'Ivoire Mali and Burkina Faso
Collected from the: Senufo peoples of Mali, West Africa Material: Hardwood, pigment Period: Mid 20th century Dimensions: 21.5" height, 9.5" width, 7.5" depth; weight is 7.75 pounds Condition: Excellent - no damage or repair, age cracks test stable, worn areas and exposed wood present good patination, skin oil residue along forehead, upper beak and protrusion indicative of frequent handling. Make special note of the inward curving interior of base bottom, which allowed this figure to be balanced on the bearer's head.
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Senufo Poro Society Hornbill Headdress Crest "In former times, many of the men's secret Poro societies in the Senufo region owned a large standing sculpture of a bird. This statue, kept in the sacred forest, was used in the rites for the admission of initiates to the final phase of training. It generally had a hollowed base, which permitted it to be carried on the head of an initiate. Some examples also have holes in the wings, through which cords were passed to steady the bird when carried. Clear identification of the birds is uncertain. The large curved beaks suggest a species of hornbill, the sacred and single most important creature of the Senufo creation mythology, but there is no unanimity among the Senufo informants, who identify it variously as a hornbill, crow, vulture, eagle or buzzard. Older Senufo, however, usually name it as sejen or fijen (according to the dialect), a term that simply means 'the bird'. The significance of 'the bird' is indicated more clearly by two other names. It is sometimes called kasingele, 'the first ancestor', which may refer either to the (Senufo) mythological founder of the human race or to the ancestral founder of the sacred forest. Alternatively, it is named poropia nong, which means literally 'mother of the Poro child'. The statues are thus a primary symbol of the Poro leadership, indicating the authority of its elders. In the language of the Poro, these elders are collectively known as katyleeo, 'the old woman', since they stand in the position of 'mother' to the junior initiates. The junors themselves are called poro piibele, the 'children of Poro'." See Africa: The Art of a Continent for details.
Senufo Tribal History An extremely large tribe, the one and a half million Senufo peoples inhabit vast areas of Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Primarily farmers who occasionally hunt, the Senufo villagers are governed by councils of elders, lead by elected chiefs. Men of the important Poro society reinforce tribal unity through ceremonial ritual, while they train and initiate the young tribal males from age seven and up. According to Bacquart, "Senufo theology is based on Koulotiolo, a powerful god, and Katieleo, a goddess mother, who through the rituals of the Poro society, regenerate the world. The Senufo were among the first tribal artists to be recognized and admired by the Western world. Their artistic output has been prolific - statues and masks characterized by realistic features or highly geometric shapes which emphasize rhythm and the opposition between void and full spaces."
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Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
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