Shop a rare 27″ vintage Senufo Poropianong hornbill bird statue from Côte d’Ivoire. Large hand-carved mother bird with 4 fledglings and a rich painted patina. Buy now!
Large 27″ Vintage Senufo Poropianong Hornbill Bird Statue – Côte d’Ivoire
$595.00
Description
Introduce an absolute monument of West African spiritual art to your gallery collection with this large 27-inch vintage hand-carved wood Poropianong (or Sejen) bird statue, masterfully crafted by the Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire.
Central to the clandestine funeral and initiation ceremonies of the pan-societal Poro association, these large-scale bird sculptures are traditionally kept in sacred groves to channel blessings from the ancestor realm. This exceptional example portrays the great primordial hornbill (Kalao)—the Senufo symbol of absolute wisdom, maternal protection, and generational continuity. The mother bird features a magnificent, sweeping curved beak that meets her own swollen breast, symbolizing the transmission of life and sacred knowledge.
Crowning her wings and back are four smaller, beautifully stylized fledglings standing in reverence. Resting on its original integrated dome pedestal base, the entire hardwood sculpture is hand-painted in a striking geometric layout of traditional cream kaolin clay, charcoal, and ochre earth pigments. Boasting a heavily distressed, deeply aged surface patina, this 2.2-foot sculpture stands as a premier acquisition for any dedicated collector of tribal art.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Shipping & Handling Particulars
Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 24-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.
Care & Preservation Guidelines
To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Lobi piece, please observe the following care instructions:
- Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
- Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
- Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.
Additional information
| Region | |
|---|---|
| Culture | Lobi People |
| Origin | Burkina Faso, West Africa |
| Estimated Period | Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s) |
| Material | Carved Hardwood, Animal Horn, Glass Trade Beads, Leather, Fiber Cord |
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition. Wood shows beautiful natural aging and minor stable cracks consistent with genuine ritual use. All mixed-media attachments are structurally intact. |
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