H x W x D: 15.5 x 3.2 x 8.7 cm (6 1/8 x 1 1/4 x 3 7/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Côte d'Ivoire
Mali
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Among the Senufo of Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, copper alloy figures, pendants and bracelets are associated with the Sando (or Sandogo) divination society and are linked to the powers of bush spirits. The diviners, who are usually female, maintain the relationships between the villagers and the rather complex Senufo hierarchy of spiritual beings. This is done by dealing with daily personal problems on a one to one basis through a system of divination. Small figures for display are part of the core equipment needed by a diviner. A successful diviner has more and better figures in both metal and wood.
The equestrian figure is the most common optional choice. It always depicts a male figure mounted on a horse, usually with a spear and conical or brimmed war hat--not present in this object. A northern import, the equestrian theme conveys power, wealth and status. This particular example suggests spiritual references as well. The "horse" is highly stylized; its curving lines recall Fò, the python. Pythons are said to be the insignia of Sando diviners, because the python serves as a messenger between the spirits and the diviner. The head of the figure suggests a mask or a being that is not an ordinary human. The Senufo also carve helmet masks in the form of composite animals with horns, and hunter's associations wear dance hats of cowrie shells and antelope horns.
Description:
Cast copper alloy equestrian figure of a horned animal head figure riding a flat serpentine animal with very short legs. The rider holds a rein in the left hand along with a reversed bow and a short spear in the right hand. A short iron spike depends from the belly of the beast.
Provenance:
Ernst Anspach, New York, 1970 to 1989
Exhibition History:
BIG/small, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-July 23, 2006
Red Gold: Copper Arts of Africa, Mount Holyoke College Museum, South Hadley, MA, 1984
Published References:
Herbert, Eugenia. 1984. Red Gold: Copper Arts of Africa. South Hadley, Massachusetts: Mount Holyoke College Museum, p. 30, no. 60.
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