Statue of the Poro, Senufo, Ivory Coast
Hard wood... Lot 10
Result :
Not available
Estimate :
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Statue of the Poro, Senufo, Ivory Coast
Hard wood with dark patina
H. 128,5 cm
Poro figure, Senufo, Ivory Coast
H. 50 1/2 in
Provenance:
- Hélène Leloup ca. 1971
- Private American collection
- Private collection
The large pillar statues, known as deblé, played an essential role in the rituals of the Poro initiation society. Whether during initiation ceremonies for young men or during the funerals of notables, they were moved to strike the ground to the rhythm of solemn songs.
A classic of traditional arts in Côte d'Ivoire, this type of work, particularly prized by amateurs, has been part of all museum exhibitions devoted to this subject.
Our example is distinguished by the functional hieraticism of its body, the arms serving as "handles", and the remarkable sensitivity of its facial features. The headdress with the bun projected forward is a true stylistic marker of the Senufo culture and symbolizes, for some authors, the hornbill bird.
This headdress was acquired by a major American collector in the early 1970s from Hélène Leloup, a dealer with legendary taste and an undisputed specialist in the Dogon world.
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