Senufo Wood Miniature Hornbill

A long reddish head tips forward as though this figure is peering at the floor.

This miniature painted wood hornbill is Senufo, and dates to the 20th century. It is ivory coast, west africa. The Senufo of northern Ivory Coast and neighboring areas are known for wood carving, and the hornbill is among the bird images that appear in their art. Slim standing figure carved with a faceted, beak-like head in warm rust color above a pale, chalky torso and short straight legs. Arms are hardly marked, and the surface looks dry, worn and slightly flaking. It is 1.25 inches wide, 1.13 deep and 4.5 high.

Minimal anatomy, maximum posture.