Notable Finish Syonfolo
Senufo · Côte d’Ivoire
Reference: FEC-12
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- Height
- 33 cm
- Material
- Wood and old patina
Figure from Korhogo representing a remarkable or a healer on a saddle that curiously lacks a head. His bridle could represent the horns of an antelope.…
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Full original description
Figure from Korhogo representing a remarkable or a healer on a saddle that curiously lacks a head. His bridle could represent the horns of an antelope. Equestrian sculptures are common in senufo art, usually representing tribal chiefs or important characters. They get the name of symonfolo, the holder of the horse, or fanhafoloThe hat you carry indicates your rank. From his neck hangs a pectoral amulet, as a great scapular. It is a marabutic amulet designed to protect him against invisible enemies and to confer magical powers on him.
The horse among the senufo is an allegorical animal, associated with political leadership and represents a superior form of power. These statues find multiple everyday uses but appear more clearly associated with the realm of divination.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Côte d’Ivoire. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
