IVORY COAST Senoufo crest Imposing crest, featuring a Janus face supporting a female effigy standing on antelope horns on one side, and a hornbill, a mythological entity in vernacular culture, on the other. An imposing clerestory panel dominates the whole, animated by anthropomorphic and animal motifs. Rich polychrome decoration is painted over the entire surface. Probably 1950s Soft wood, pigments H. 132 cm. L.: 57 cm. Provenance: acquired from Pierre Vérité, Galerie Carrefour, in 1969 by the current owner. The polychrome decoration and wood are missing, particularly at the base and top. Expert : Emmanuelle MENUET This type of "plank" crest was worn during initiation rites in Poro society, notably by the Nafara, the Senoufo of the center.

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