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This dark and impressive sculpture of a
horseman is a rare piece from the Lagoons
region of the Ivory Coast. The human figure
is in the traditional Lagoons style, with short,
powerful legs, a long torso, slender arms and
a head carved with exceptional care. The
expression is serene, attained by the plain,
looped brows, the closed eyes, the small,
open mouth and the high brow, surmounted
with a multi-conical coiffure. The ears lie flat
against the head. The possession of a beard
denotes age and thus social standing within
the gerontocratic culture. The face is also
decorated with several plugs of wood that fit
into small holes drilled into the piece – these
denote keloid scarifications. One might
assume that the person represented is of
high status, as not only is the figure
somewhat masterful, but horses are always
viewed as being elite possessions. The
animal itself is actually more akin to a feline
(i.e. leopard), in its high shoulders, sharp
ears, short face and almost human-like
features. Alternatively it may be a
therianthropic piece, a fusion of different
animals into a character from Lagoons
mythology. This would tend to lend the piece
magical rather than status-linked
importance. Both are covered with a dark
and uneven patina implying handling and the
application of libations.
The Lagoons people include about a dozen
distinct groups, which are grouped into two
main units (the Attye and the Ebrie), and are
not usually confused with the Anyi, who are
more influenced by local neighbours such as
the Baule. Lagoons groups consider
themselves to be distinct from one another
except in cases of threat, when they
combine. Their social structure is based
upon a gerontocracy. Artistically, they are
defined by carvings of astonishing
refinement, with exceptionally serene
expressions and attenuated proportions.
They usually have highly ornate hairstyles,
keloid scarifications – rendered as removable
plugs – and glossy patinas from usage. The
figures were used by spiritual intermediaries
to obtain information from the hereafter.
There are also reports of highly gendered
figures being used as spirit spouses, as in
the Baule tradition. They are also said to
have been display pieces at traditional
dances, or awarded to excellent dancers and
performers. They are sometimes adorned
with beads, which are often more diagnostic
in terms of area of origin than the piece itself.
Pieces such as this are rare, and are not
described in the literature. Given the balance
of elements, this is probably an ancestor or
devotional piece, carved to show his power
and authority. The meaning of the animal is
equivocal, but likely refers further to his
status. This is a powerful and attractive
piece of African art.
- (PF.3912 (LSO))
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