Zoomorphic lSenufo

This beautiful carved wood staff, made up of two parts is characterisitic of the Senufo tribe of Ivory Coast. The figure with elongated hair crest, concave facial plane, is called Eyema Byeri is an essential dynamic and an emblematic expression of the ideas that govern Senufo society. The staff a tefalipitya, meanin hoe-work-girl, is said to represent pita, a young unmarried and physically beautiful woman, but also a symbol of reward of the most beautiful girl in the village as a wife during competition, sport and fun in the arduos task of farming, which was called gamification. Upon the death of the staff master, the tefalipitya is placed outside his home to guard his spirit. The staff have also other uses and meaning in Senufo communities, they said to be used during ceremonies and awards for initiates that have mastered the secret language of the society. They are held durign the Kpelie masquerade during harvest festivals, and as weapoons to ward off evil spirits that aim to disrupt ritual ceremonies.

Made of 100% wood.

Model is W 8 – H 94 and weight 1.8 kg.