1 / 14

Art

Tall Patinated Brown Carved African Senufo Sefien

$3,545
DE-COR

Pasadena, CA · Reported available

View listing ↗
Period

Antique

Dimensions

Height 76 in × Length 18 in × Depth 21 in

Condition
View full details

Wear consistent with age and use; dark patinated brown finish; broken right wing; requires white glove delivery Special Detail: Senufo Setien hornbill representing ancestral spirits, wisdom, and life's cyclical nature; intricate geometric engravings with symbolic cultural meaning; broken right wing adds poignant authentic character

Dealer notes

Presenting a commanding Senufo hornbill sculpture, standing at an impressive 76 inches tall. This striking piece features a dark patinated brown finish, lending it a sense of age and gravitas. Across its form, intricate geometric engravings add a layer of visual texture and hint at the symbolic language of the Senufo people of the Ivory Coast. The hornbill, known as "Setien," is a significant figure in Senufo cosmology, often representing ancestral spirits, wisdom, and the cyclical nature of life. The dark patinated brown finish suggests the natural aging of the wood over time, enhancing the sculpture's sense of history. The geometric engravings, with their precise lines and patterns, likely hold specific cultural meanings, possibly related to lineage, cosmology, or ritual practices. Notably, the sculpture shows a broken right wing, an imperfection that speaks to its journey through time and perhaps its participation in cultural ceremonies or the natural elements. This broken wing adds a poignant element to its presence, telling a silent story of resilience and endurance. Despite this damage, the monumental height of the "Setien" figure ensures its powerful presence. Traditionally, such sculptures acted as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, their presence invoked during important ceremonies and their form revered as embodying ancestral wisdom Beyond its value as a collector's item, this Antique African figure can bring a unique and grounding presence to a contemporary home or garden: Its intriguing form and potential history will undoubtedly spark curiosity and discussion. It can add an element of the unexpected when paired with modern furniture and art, creating a globally-inspired aesthetic. Found in West Africa (Requires White Glove Delivery) **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio. Specifications Material: Hand-carved wood with dark patinated finish Dimensions: 18"L x 21"D x 76"H Origin: Antique; Senufo people Setien hornbill ceremonial and ancestral sculptural tradition; carved wood, West Africa (Ivory Coast) Era: Antique Condition: Wear consistent with age and use; dark patinated brown finish; broken right wing; requires white glove delivery Special Detail: Senufo Setien hornbill representing ancestral spirits, wisdom, and life's cyclical nature; intricate geometric engravings with symbolic cultural meaning; broken right wing adds poignant authentic character

Listing information

Last checked

Added

Details are supplied by the dealer. Confirm availability and shipping before purchasing.

Loading history…