Discover a rare 20″ vintage Calao figure from Ivory Coast. Shop tribal art now!
Authentic 20″ Vintage Senufo Double Calao Hornbill Sculpture – Hand-Carved Wood, Ivory Coast 20” x 12”
$380.00
Description
Add a profound architectural statement to your tribal art collection with this rare 20-inch hand-carved Senufo Double Calao (Setien) sculpture. Sourced from West Africa (Ivory Coast/Mali), this unique variation features a mirror-image composition of two facing hornbill birds supporting a traditional hollowed vessel or oil pot at the crest. In Senufo cosmogony, the Calao (hornbill) represents one of the five primordial animals present at the creation of the world. It stands as an enduring cultural emblem of fertility, protective ancestral spirits, and generational continuity.
Key Features & Product Details
- Culture & Origin: Senufo People, Ivory Coast / Mali region (West Africa).
- Material: 100% solid, hand-carved indigenous hardwood.
- Pigmentation: Deep, rich dark brown organic patina with natural earth tone highlights.
- Dimensions: Height: 20 inches | Width: 12 inches
- Form Factor: Freestanding ceremonial composition featuring a sturdy, integrated square block pedestal base.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 20-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 calao 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
| Weight | 5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25 × 15 × 15 in |
| 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. |

















