A Senufo guardian figure

A Senufo guardian figure, Ivory Coast, surmounted with a panel, in the center a stylized lizzard, collected in the Tingrela region, close to the border of Mali, fine blackened patina, partly shiny, traces of ritual use and age; provenance Belo Mohamed Garba, Korhogo.

Close to the border to Mali, uprising from a cylindrical, slightly conical base, the slightly bent legs without feet, which suggests a more archaic type of this figure, the slender torso with a slightly arched belly and a pointed navel, the arms carved close to the torso, the shoulders rounded, a thick columnar neck supports an oval head with a protruding mouth and almond-shaped eyes, the cap-shaped hairstyle seems to represent a stylized bird head; the figure is characterized by an old touch patina, which suggests a longlasting ritual use, we are not quite sure whether it is a guardian figure or a rhythm pounder (Déblé). The size of the base allows both options. But usually Déblé are bigger and their purpose for funeral- ceremonies is different. According of Gottschalk Guardian sculptures are more rare than Rhythm-Pounders.

More realistic sounds the opinion of Glaze, who described the difficulties of a stylistic typology according of both ethnic groups after she did fieldwork around kufulo (region of Dikodougou).

Burkhard Gottschalk, Kunst aus Schwarz Afrika, Senufo, Unbekannte Schätze aus privaten Sammlungen, S.173, 174, Glaze Anita J., "Art and Death in a Senufo Village", Indiana University Press, Bloomington 1981

Height: 63 cm
Weight: 900 g