Senufo Wood Syon Horse Headrest. Old, Used. Fine Patina. 95cm. Ivory Coast
Superb Senufo Wood "Syon" Horse Headrest. The Senufo people of Ivory Coast. These beautiful stunning creation, though appreciated for their artistic appeal today, have an entirely utilitarian purpose as Head rests Senufo women use to protect their elaborate hairstyle. Simple and function, women would rest their neck in the the Stylized horseback saddle area if the "Syon" horse headrest. This keeps the head elevated above direct contact with the ground thus protection elaborate coiffure typically in braided styles perhaps with beads adornment.
The "Ngoro", or "Virgin girl dance", in Senufo culture features dance routines by women and men women celebrating the virginity of young women in Senufo society. There is usually a wooden horse with a rider, called master of the horse or "Syon", participating in the the ceremony. The headrest for sale here, and others like it, pays homage this revered horse. Stunning, old, well, authentic and masterful examples figuratively featuring the "Syon" Horse.There is a distinct Horse head lead to a neck/crest area covered in cotton adorned with cowrie shells and held in place with vegetative resin glue. The distinct saddle, sitting on the back of the Horse, is actually the rest area that Senufo women placed their neck on. Beyond the rear of saddle is the croup area leading to a tail decorated with cowrie shells and raffia. Patina is subtly lustrous throughout, especially to the saddle area women rest their head on, and derived 100% from use, wear and aging. This "Syon" headrest has been used extensively and is believed to be five decades old and perhaps significantly older.
A very distinct and visually prominent example at 95cm lenght, this stunning and minimalist creation would be superb displayed on a sideboard. Some minor degradation and wood loss with the most notable being a side of the area directly below the saddle of the horse shown in last two images. Nonetheless the headrest is in excellent condition and treated for wood parasites infestation. They are 95cm length x 13cm high. We sometime therefore send items, especially big and heavy items such as this example, directly from where they were field-collected as this saves duplication of cost and effort for us.
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