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Portfolios%20%3D%20%22949%22%20and%20Disp_Obj_Type%20%3D%20%22Woodwork%22%20and%20Sort_Artist%20%3D%20%22Senufo%20artist%22
Woodwork
Champion-Cultivator Staff
Senufo artist, (active )
Senufo artist
Côte d'Ivoire
Primary
54 in. (137.2 cm)
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Wood
Wood
Senufo; made in Côte d'Ivoire
0
0
Woodwork
During the annual hoeing contests of the Senufo, the farmer with the most agricultural prowess wins the champion-cultivator staff for one year. The voluptuous and regal figure, the epitome of Senufo beauty, is posted in the ground during competition to watch over and spur on the contestants. These contests are more than simple agricultural competitions; they weave a rich tapestry of art forms—drumming, singing, dancing, and sculpture—to turn back-breaking labor into an inspiring community ritual. The shiny area visible near the figure’s eye is likely residue from the ritual application of oil, a sacrificial offering made to the powers embodied in the staff.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1971.64
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/10/2001
71.64SL1
slide
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
71.64DI#3
digital image
Side
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A3.jpg
71.64DI#1
digital image
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A1.jpg
71.64DI#4
digital image
Side
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A4.jpg
71.64DI#2
digital image
Three-quarter
3/10/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/71.64_A2.jpg