Mossi statue Burkina Faso Wood H. 76 cm Statue-post... Lot 25

Mossi statue Burkina Faso Wood H. 76 cm Statue-post carved in heavy wood, masculine element of a protective couple belonging to a high ranking personage. The couple was placed outside, on either side of the hut door, to receive offerings and signal authority. The statue represents a standing figure, with arms along the body slightly outstretched and legs semi-bent. The head is round and the face is formed by two flattened hearts. Strong patina of erosion. For a photo of a comparable object taken in the field, see : C. Roy, Art of the Upper Volta Rivers, p. 9 and explanations p. 170. Provenance Antoine Ferrari de la Salle