Senoufo / Ivory Coast - Africa / Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast / Senoufo

Syonfolo Sénoufo equestrian statue from Ivory Coast

Beautiful anthropomorphic statue depicting a rider on his horse, holding an axe in one of his hands. This statue is not strictly a cult object, but rather the symbol of material power; the horse was rare in these regions of West Africa. It is also a representation of martial adventures. These statues are named "Syonfolo" meaning "master of the horse" or "Fanhafolo", "the one who possesses power".
Dimensions: 40cm

Very fine patina. Indigenous repairs using a ferrous staple at the level of the arm and the axe.
Hard dark wood, partially eroded on the surface.

Estimated age: Middle or early second half of the 20th century

Ex David Malik gallery / USA / UK
Provenance / Personal collection gathered over more than thirty years.