A large, sublime Kapielo (or Kan Tyelo) anthropomorphic stat - Lot 127

A large, sublime Kapielo (or Kan Tyelo) anthropomorphic statue of a mother nursing her child. An archetype of maternity iconography, certainly dealing with fertility symbolized here in particular by her headdress of falling braids representing a hatching bird, the breast-feeding by her generous breasts in fact symbolizes the knowledge transmitted to the young Poro initiates known as the "children of the Old Mother". This magnificent sculpture, whose many libations of oil during numerous ceremonies contribute to its shiny, oozing patina and beauty, is one of the masterpieces of the Kolia school, with its highly distinctive style. Senoufo, Ivory Coast Hardwood, visible old missing parts (right foot), old cracks and wear, very fine sacrificial and wear patina. Height: 69cm Provenance: Galerie Ratton - Hourdé, Paris Galerie Ratton - Hourdé, Paris Antonio Segui Collection, Paris Transmitted by descent Exhibition and Publication: Galerie Ratton-Hourdé, Paris, Sculptures de l'ancien Soudan, June 5 - July 26, 2008, p.31