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Senufo Mother and Child Figure Fertility Statue Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Mali
A Splendid Old Senufo Mother and Child Figure Maternity Statue Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Mali to Cote d'Ivoire
Collected from the: Senufo peoples of Mali, West Africa Material: Hardwood, pigment, kaolin, skin oil Period: Early 20th century, conservatively Dimensions: 30" height, 6" width, 7" depth; weight is 7.70 pounds Condition: Exceptional, no damage or repair. From a private Houston collection, exquisite signs of age and authentic wear from extensive tribal use, minor age cracks test stable, wear-exposed wood displays significant patination. Burnished skin oil patina at coiffure, face, outer arms and legs, fine accumulated residue of time and overall surface condition suggestive of frequent handling - truly gorgeous !
Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this splendid old mother !
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Senufo Carving Traditions: "While the Senufo blacksmiths and professional sculptors carved countless small statues (generally under 12 inches or 30 cm in height), those of larger size were relatively rare. Such large scale statuary was occasionally commissioned by the male Poro societies and by their female equivalent, the Tyekpa. The Poro society sometimes placed a pair of large statues were sometimes placed on public display at the wooden shelter where the initiates gathered to celebrate funerals, a custom now abandoned owing to frequent theft of the statues. Female statues were more likely to have been carved for the Tyekpa, or for the owner of a yasungo, a large 'fetish', shrine or power object on which sacrifices are made. Such shrines were often located indoors, away from public view. The nature of the yasungo shrines varied and in the absence of precise documentation to say what role a particular statue may have played. It should be noted that while some statues were said to represent the 'first ancestor' kasingele, the concept of portraying in sculpture an actual named ancestor seems to have been unknown. In the same way, the idea of sculpture portrayals of a living person fills the Senufo with horror. It was regarded as a dangerous and threatening act, inviting a curse on the head of the person depicted or, in the case of a woman, rendering her sterile." 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 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!
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
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