Staff
Senufo
Description
Subject Matter:
The form of this staff is reminiscent of that of Senufo horizontal masks, which represent a composite image of a number of different elements. Among the various ethnic groups identified with the general term Senufo, staffs such as this one stand as emblems of the farming skills of their owners. Young men would compete in hoeing competitions as a way to prepare for their entrance into the farmers's secret society called Poro. A carved pole would be placed near the head of the line of young men, next to the most succesful hoers. Winners of the competition would receive a carved wooden or an iron staff to commemorate their success; these staffs would be proudly displaced at later agricultural competitions and ultimately at the owner's funeral.
Physical Description:
A stylized animal head, with an elongated open mouth and horizontally positioned, flat ears, sits atop a staff with decorative carvings along the shaft.
Usage Rights:
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