top of a cultivator staff - Wood - Senufo - West Africa

top of a cultivator staff
H= 32 cm high, 38 cm on the wood stand.

Estimated age : Early to Mid XXth Old oxidised wood.

A top of a staff. Those figures are called 'deble' an abbreviation of 'madebele' meaning spirit, andused by diviners.

Human in form, they represent the nature spirits to assist people to maintain good health, achieve success, & develop satisfactory relationships with friends and family.

Bush spirits are hold accountable for people’s illness or hardship.

This striking piece is the top of a Senufo ceremonial cultivator staff. Unusually, this wooden emblem is a half figure, rather than the more conventional seated chief design.
Age: Early to mid XXth century
The first Senufo staffs were discovered by Albert Maesen during his 1938 expedition to the Ivory Coast. They are of considerable ceremonial importance, and are associated with the fertility and vigour of the yam crop. Condition is fair. Scarification on the face and belly. Dark patina.
From a Dutch collection. H= 31 cm
Published in "Living African Art Treasures" by David Norden. ( A catalog will be included in your package) .