Lot 47A
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Senufo, ca. early 20th century CE. A pair of women's initiation headdresses, each carved from wood and featuring serrated crests, ear-like projections, and large crescent-shaped horns. The domed surfaces are covered with cowrie shells, and attached glass trade beads, cloth, and fiber. One includes a nude female figure carved in the round - symbolizing femininity, fertility, and spiritual transformation. White cowrie shells are encrusted into the surface of the wooden caps, and strands strung with blue and red beads and additional cowries fringe the lower edges, adding sound and movement during ceremonial use. A narrow, rectangular cloth cape extends down the back of each, sewn with cowrie shells arranged in linear designs. Both headdresses are mounted on custom wooden stands for dramatic presentation. Beads and shells are traditionally associated with wealth and protection, and the cow horns symbolize strength and a connection to ancestral forces. Size: 67" L x 10" W (170.2 cm x 25.4 cm); 71" H (180.3 cm) on included custom stand.
These headdresses were worn during rites of passage, particularly for girls entering womanhood, and their iconography also connects to agricultural symbolism - echoing the female figures found on planting staffs. The pairing of a female figure with a mask may also allude to fertility and ancestral duality. Rich in material and cultural complexity, these headdresses would have been central to performances marking a young initiate's transformation and acceptance into adult society. Exhibited at the Allen Memorial Art Museum and in the "Hands-On... Culture Shock!" program, they speak to the layered roles of gender, ritual, and symbolism in Senufo tradition.
Please note that the stands are oversized and will increase shipping costs; however, they can be removed prior to shipment if requested.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; purchased from John J. Klejman early 1960s.
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#196440
- Condition: Old repair with metal staples to reattach the horn on one headdress. Losses to cowrie shells and fraying to fibers and strands of beads. Overall in excellent condition with strong visual presence on custom display stands. Please note that the stands will increase shipping costs; however, they can be removed prior to shipment if requested.
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