Senufo Twin Figures
Ivory Coast
A paired composition of seated figures constructed along a vertical axis, each organised as a segmented columnar mass, weight-bearing through seated compression, the stool base carrying four cylindrical legs.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, each figure is articulated through an elongated neck supporting a projecting head surmounted by an integrated chameleon, with laterally projecting ear forms beneath. The torso is formed as a planar rectangular mass, incised with an X-motif across both the front and back faces. Small projecting breast forms project from the upper torso; below, the torso expands into a rounded abdominal volume before narrowing through a ringed waist into an integral stool with four cylindrical legs. The arms descend in parallel uninterrupted lines, terminating in closed fist-form hands.
Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across both figures; exposure at projecting elements.
Context
Within Senufo practice, paired figures of this type are used within initiation and funerary structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1972.
Details
- Title
- Senufo Twin Figures
- Culture
- Senufo
- Origin
- Ivory Coast
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 106 cm (41.7 in) · W 27 cm (10.6 in) (each)
- Medium
- Wood
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1972.
- Condition
- Surface stable; exposure at projecting elements.
