Description:

West Africa, Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Senufo culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. Two conjoined pairs of stylized figures, used by diviners to represent ancestors and connect with spirits. The smaller pair with arms on the hips are cast almost entirely from lead, and the other pair are cast from leaded-bronze and resemble anthropomorphic birds. In Senufo communities, diviners act as intermediaries between humans, nature spirits, and ancestors, providing guidance during times of illness, calamity, or new ventures, and helping to avert misfortune. These spiritual mediators commission objects to attract spirits and facilitate communication. Both diviners and clients often acquire figural charms - often gendered pairs, to use during rituals. Size of largest: 2.2" L x 0.8" W x 1.5" H (5.6 cm x 2 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Bruce Burt collection, exhibited at his gallery in New York City, New York, USA in the 1970s

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#190286

  • Condition: Casting imperfections and patina. Please note both contain high levels of lead, handle with care.

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January 9, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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