
Title | Senufo Hobby Horse Syon Cote d'Ivoire African Art 44 Inch |
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Type of Object | Carving, Figure, Statue, Sculpture |
Country of Origin | Ivory Coast |
People | Senufo |
Materials | Wood, pigment |
Approximate Age | 20th century |
Height (in) | 44 |
Width (in) | 5 |
Depth (in) | 6 |
Dimensions | Height: 44 Inches Width: 5 Inches Depth: 6 Inches |
Overall Condition | Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
Damage/Repair | thick encrustation covers most of piece. small chips, general wear |
Additional Information:
Additional Information: This stylized carved wooden horse known as "Syon" is ridden by the "Master of the horse" during the ritual appearance of a number of masks among the Senufo of the Ivory coast. Riding the horse into the village, he announces the coming of the masks and dances between lines of young girls, jumping side to side as though he were riding a real horse. Cords wrapped around the neck and tail would fit over the rider’s shoulder to allow him to ride the horse and keep his hands free to gesture.
The Senufo live in the Ivory Coast and southern Mali in small villages supporting themselves primarily as farmers. Though generally independent, the villages are joined through a shared men’s secret society known as Poro or Pondo, which is responsible for the initiation of young boys and men and for instruction in the religious wisdom and knowledge of the bush spirits. Masks and figures mainly serve the Poro society.
For similar pieces see Jacques Kerchache, ART OF AFRICA, figs 318-320