Senufo Statuette, Republic Of Ivory Coast, First Half Of The 20th Century.

Statuette depicting a standing figure with a rounded belly, slightly bent knees, standing on massive, stylized feet, with straight shoulders and bent arms. His face displays an intense and concentrated expression, a long, slender nose and half-closed eyelids. His arched headdress is adorned with a sculpted, projecting aviform head. Hardwood, old honey and brown patina, signs of use. A period lateral crack on the edge of the face. Good overall condition (see photos). Senufo, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, first half of the 20th century. Dimensions: 13.5 × 3.6 cm. Sold with a certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes. Guarantee of origin and period. "Senufo statuettes of this type are recognizable by their arched headdresses extended by a bird's head. This bird-like motif, frequently inspired by the hornbill, occupies a central place in the iconography of the Poro initiatory society. The bird, master of the bush, is associated with fertility, knowledge and spiritual power. The stable posture and the modeling of the body underline the anchoring of the individual in a ritual function, while the small size suggests a personal use, possibly linked to initiations or domestic protection." * Shipping costs on estimate.