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A Splendid Old Senufo Horseman Diviner's Equestrian Figure Divination Statue Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Mali to Cote d'Ivoire
Collected from the: Senufo peoples of Mali, West Africa Material: Hardwood, pigment, skin oil Period: Early to mid 20th century Dimensions: 11.75" height, 8" length, 3.5" width; weight is 1.25 pounds Condition: Excellent. From a private Houston collection, exquisite signs of age, surface condition and patinated wear proclaim authentic tribal use. Front half of spear tip was lost early on, judging by the patina on the exposed wood. Beautifully burnished surface along the shoulders, outer arms, neck, crown and both noses indicative of frequent handling.
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Senufo Diviner's Equestrian Riders Horseman Traditions "Senufo equestrian warriors were artistic tributes to the professional success of the Sando diviners who commissioned them. Originally created with a female partner, such pairs formed part of the essential equipment of the diviner or soothsayer (Sandoo); the statuettes both represent and serve as the abode for the pair of bush spirits who were believed to be in communication with the diviner. Known as tana, these ornamental forms contributed a spectacular and ostentatious effect that amplified the diviner's basic set of implements and enhanced her ability to attract the madebele's interest and favor. Their ownership and display indicated the diviner's attainment of an exceptional level of professional competence to the community at large since only the most successful diviners could afford to engage the better sculptors to create such dazzling prestige pieces. The statuettes are set out with other paraphernalia in the tiny consulting room, and the diviner plies them with a long stream of questions in the course of the séance. The bush spirits form the subject of a great quantity of Senufo sculpture. In addition to the diviner's personal statuettes, it is common for a diviner to prescribe that the client obtain a pair to keep in his house. Such client statuettes are, in most cases, a simple pair of matching figures; the more elaborate figures, seated on horseback or bearing a pot on the head, are almost exclusively reserved for the diviner." See Art and Oracle and Africa: The Art of a Continent for a more in depth account of this fascinating form.
Senufo Tribal History An extremely large tribe, the one and a half million Senufo peoples inhabit vast areas of the 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 practice of divination is universal among the Senufo, and practitioners of the art are to be found in every village. They consult the spirit in order to help a client resolve problems and obtain better fortune. Most diviners are women, though the calling is also open to men. 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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*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
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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