Periodically the young land workers of a village
organize highly athletic competitions. The
person considered the overall winner of the
different events receives a "baton," such as this
lovely example, with a carved seated female
figure on the top. This girl represents the ideal
in
feminine beauty. She is voluptuous with very
large breasts, seated in a sensual pose her hands
are placed alluringly on her knees, while her legs
are spread apart. The headdress is classic Senufo
style comprising two "winged" extensions and a
curved crest reaching beyond the face. The use
of red on black is particularly striking;
highlighting the, lips
and cheeks, and radiating outwards from the
navel. As a symbol of sexuality she is the perfect
"award" for a virile young man who has proven
himself heroic in sporting combat. Soon he
hopes to win the admiration of a girl equal to his
own ideal.
- (PF.5012)
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