A fine Senufo ceremonial wood staff

Description:

Ivory Coast
L. 93 cm
The ceremonial staff crowned with a highly abstracted figure. Brown patinated wood. High-quality, powerful modelling with strong plasticity. Although the chest is covered by a triangular ornament, the figure is likely female. These “Tefalapica” staffs are associated with agricultural rites and were awarded to the winner of a Senufo hoeing competition. Upon the owner’s death, the staff was placed in front of his hut.
From the collection of Helmut Zake (1918-1995), Heidelberg, German historian and founder of the Society for Ethnology and Tribal Art, inherited within the family - Minor wear