Nice old reasonably large wooden Senufo/Calao bird. The figurine is hammered with copper, which is also silver-plated and gilded, on the wings, body and head, it has silver-plated straps around neck and legs as well. Most of the gilding are off of the copper and the silver-plated part emerges, in some places you can still see the gold-plate. The silver-plated part also has wear and tear and the copper comes through. In good condition, with signs of wear and age. 2 desiccation cracks in the base of the figurine see photos, this one can be fixed. The hornbill bird is 1 of the 5 mythical animals (chameleon, turtle, snake, crocodile and hornbill) within the Poro secret society of the Senufo, Ivory Coast. These animals have the magical power to bring the soul of the deceased to the afterlife, so it was thought. The bird is often placed next to the house door. Dimensions 39, 5 cm high. 22 cm wide. Depth: 16 cm. Weight; 1320 grams. Will be sent by registered and insured mail.