A Large Calao Kporopyan Figure
Anonymous Senufo sculptor, Ivory Coast, wood, ochres, lime, 148 x 66 x 59 cm. Sculptures of the hornbill are collectively called Sejen amongst the Senufo. But these large initiation figures are also called (k) porpyan, which means literally 'mother of the Poro child'. The statue is thus a primary symbol of the Poro leadership, indicating the authority of its elders. For the Senufo, the Hornbill, was one of the first living creatures. The long phallic beak touching its own swollen belly suggesting self-pregnancy, represents the dual forces of the male and female components and symbolises the need for both to ensure the continuity of the whole community. The native Yellow Casqued Hornbill is said to be the chief of assertive birds and associated with intellectual power, symbolising the transfer of knowledge from the elders to the young initiates.
Provenance:
Presumably Alberto Giacometti (friend and advisor on purchasing African Art to Giorgio Soavi);
Giorgio Soavi, Milan.
Published:
The Giorgia Soavi interior, 70's Decorative Art, pp. 52-53, Taschen. About Giorgio Soavi, see Sotheby's Giorgio Soavi, Collezionista, Milano 21 Aprile 2009.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
13.10.2022 - 15:33
- Estimate:
-
EUR 15,000.- to EUR 18,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 12,000.-
A Large Calao Kporopyan Figure
Anonymous Senufo sculptor, Ivory Coast, wood, ochres, lime, 148 x 66 x 59 cm. Sculptures of the hornbill are collectively called Sejen amongst the Senufo. But these large initiation figures are also called (k) porpyan, which means literally 'mother of the Poro child'. The statue is thus a primary symbol of the Poro leadership, indicating the authority of its elders. For the Senufo, the Hornbill, was one of the first living creatures. The long phallic beak touching its own swollen belly suggesting self-pregnancy, represents the dual forces of the male and female components and symbolises the need for both to ensure the continuity of the whole community. The native Yellow Casqued Hornbill is said to be the chief of assertive birds and associated with intellectual power, symbolising the transfer of knowledge from the elders to the young initiates.
Provenance:
Presumably Alberto Giacometti (friend and advisor on purchasing African Art to Giorgio Soavi);
Giorgio Soavi, Milan.
Published:
The Giorgia Soavi interior, 70's Decorative Art, pp. 52-53, Taschen. About Giorgio Soavi, see Sotheby's Giorgio Soavi, Collezionista, Milano 21 Aprile 2009.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 13.10.2022 - 15:33 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 06.10. - 13.10. 2022 |