Horse Rider, Ligbi/Senufo, Ivory Coast

Early 20th century
Wood
36.5 cm

Provenance

Adrian Schlag, Brussels
Galerie Philippe Ratton, Paris
Private Collection, Paris
Dalton Somaré, Milan
Private Collection, Milan

Publications and exhibitions

Sénoufo, Galerie Olivier Castellano, Paris, 2014, pp. 88–89
La région lagunaire, Adrian Schlag, Parcours des Mondes, 2016, pp. 62–65

Senufo art and Ligbi influence

Senufo sculpture from Ivory Coast is one of the most dynamic and rhythmic expressions of African Art.

Equestrian figures, widespread in the Senufo area and also adopted by the Ligbi, constitute a relatively rare iconographic theme, but one of great symbolic force.

Among the Ligbi, these representations are less frequent than in Senufo production, while showing clear stylistic affinity.

The rider as a symbol of power

These figures, known as syonfolo or fanhafolo, can be interpreted as “masters of the horse” or “holders of power”.

The introduction of the horse into West Africa, beginning in the 8th century, profoundly transformed military and political organization, making the rider a symbol of authority, prestige and domination.

For centuries, riders were associated with warriors, emissaries and conquerors, entering the collective imagination as almost supernatural figures.

Historical context and cultural memory

In the Senufo region, this theme developed especially during the incursions of Samori Touré’s armies in the 19th century.

Even after the end of these events, the image of the rider continued to evoke power, violence and the need for defence, but also prosperity, since possession of a horse was reserved for few.

Spiritual dimension

According to tradition, the rider is also associated with bush spirits, invisible and powerful entities that manifest themselves at night.

The possession of such a figure by a diviner indicated prestige and success in divinatory practice.

Form and stylistic language

From a formal point of view, the sculpture is distinguished by what Paul Guillaume defined as the “continuous rhythm of forms”, like a musical variation on a theme.

The flowing lines and harmonious construction of the volumes create a dynamic composition, in which figure and horse merge into a single movement.

Patina and presence

The black and unctuous patina accentuates the continuity of the surfaces and gives the sculpture a vibrant visual quality, almost in motion.

Context and collecting

Senufo and Ligbi rider figures are now particularly appreciated for their rarity and for their ability to synthesize power, history and symbolism in a highly expressive form.