The Senufo people live on the northern most border on the Ivory Coast and are spread across Burkina Faso and Mali. Art is held in very high regard by the Senufo; with much of it crafted with the intent of fulfilling specific roles in Senufo social rituals, spiritual practice and utilitarian use. While most villagers earn their living from agricultural endeavors and by raising cattle, the Senufo are allowed a special caste of honor. The Kpembele are the wood carving experts of the tribe. They create figurative carvings and masks for ceremonial use. The theme of the object on display is fertility. In order for a tribe to survive there must be people. Fertility is a major concern and the cause for many ritualistic and ceremonial affairs. Only by having many children can a better life be ensured for the living. When the tribe has a thriving large population the people are filled with a collective sense of achievement, fulfillment and pride. Magical powers and supernatural intervention are often used as reminders. The Hornbill bird, as dictated by the Lo society of the Senufo represents fertility. The heads of two of these great birds have been placed atop the banner. They serve as symbols of fertility and when joined onto a banner of this sort they are waved high over head and vigorously pumped into the air as a show of tribal pride. This decorated wooden sign says “We are Senufo! We are proud. We are strong. We are many!”

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Dimensions: 25 1/2 inches tall x 6 1/2 inches deep x 12 inches wide

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