Bidspirit auction | Equestrian Warrior Figure, Senufo, Ivory

Equestrian Warrior Figure, Senufo, Ivory Coast - African Tribal Art: Senufo People, Ivory Coast: A finely carved equestrian figure of a warrior, Early/Mid 20th Century. Carved wood, with a smooth dark patina. A loop of twisted fiber cord is wrapped at the neck. A knife is held in the rider's right hand. The fisted left hand is hollowed, and once held a spear. Horses were generally considered a luxury reserved for rich or powerful people. Equestrian figures depict the prestige and power surrounding their steed. In this sculpture, the scale of the warrior exceeds that of the horse, showing that he is a strong and formidable adversary. Such figures would be displayed in a diviner's or priest's shrine, as symbols of luxury, good taste and prestige.