head of bovine with large horns, human body, cowrie shells, cords, hanging gourds this sculpture is decorative The bovine symbolizes: • Wealth • Fertility • Social power • Male authority In many West African societies, the bull represents the village's vital force and prosperity. Human body The man-animal association means: • The fusion between the natural and spiritual worlds • The embodiment of a bush spirit • A protective figure This type of sculpture was not originally decorative: it is a spiritual support. The cowries Cowrie shells are very important: • Ancient currency in Africa • Symbol of wealth • Symbol of femininity and fertility • Spiritual protection Their presence indicates a strong symbolic charge The hanging gourds Small gourds can contain: • Ritual powders • Protective substances • Offerings They reinforce the magical/protective dimension This figure has served: • In a family sanctuary • For home protection • In agricultural rites • Or as an object linked to an initiation society Height: 38 cm