unknown Master of SENUFO
Ivorycoast / Cote d'Ivoire
Wood, Metal sheet, H 99 cm / 39 in.
Prov.: Collection Karl William Heiss, coll. 2008
The divination figure is used in Senufo ceremonies to convey prophetic powers to the ceremonial master. Kept hidden during daytime and displayed only in the evening hours during dances around the ritual fire, the brass sheets on this statue will reflect the fire light, emphasising the shining appearance of the divination spirit.
The curved beak and the strictly rectangular wings form an interesting structural contrast.