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Description

Large, standing, stylised hornbill (calao) sculpture. Carved of dark brown stained wood. Triangular head with long, bent bill that connects to the belly of the figure. Thick, arched neck with flat back, and protruding tail feathers below. Large, rectangular outstretched wings with two square cutouts on each side. Eyes, bill and feet are carved in relief. The feet have five long claws. Circular base.

Cultural Context

At the core of male initiation among the Senufo people, stands the sculpture of a Calao or hornbill to protect and teach the initiates. Senufo refers to populations that speak Senari and 14 other related languages, and can be found in Mali, Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast and Ghana. To them, the hornbill – along with the chameleon, the turtle, the crocodile and the python – is a primordial animal, created at the same time as the Gods created humans. The hornbill embodies core Senufo values transmitted in the initiation process, such as hospitality, togetherness, righteousness, probity, honor and dignity, sharing, mutual aide, work, perseverance, the taste for effort and wisdom. Calao hornbill sculptures such as this one, protect the male initiation grounds and teach the initiates core Senufo values.

Narrative

The donor purchased the sculpture from an art gallery in Seattle, WA, over 35 years before her donation in 2022.