Large-size Senufo figures are relatively rare.
The hairstyle is symbolic, taking the form of a hornbill bird's beak.
The hornbill is a favored choice of imagery among the Senufo because
of the bird's natural habit of forming pairs and showing devotion
while hatching eggs and raising young birds. Present when young males
were initiated into the Poro society, a secret society that prepared
men for roles of leadership and consisted of initiation cycles with
successive age grades.
Ex. Alfred Scheinberg, field collected 1969, Gallery of
African Art, NY, Ex. Scott Rodolitz 2001, and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve
McConnell collection.
It has red bead ear adornments. Wear on both hands and on ears and multiple age cracks.
Height: 32 ¾: x Width: 5" x Depth: 5 1/2" - It is 33 ½" in height on its 8 ¼" x 7 ½" base
