Senufo Kafigeledjo figure, Ivory Coast
21" 1/2 x 8" x 3"
wood, cloth, feathers, metal, libations
Provenance: Marc Assayag with Tookalook Native Arts
Ex Campbell Collection, Canada
$600 - INQUIRE
"This type of object is kept only by the kulebele sculptors, and represents a particularly powerful supernatural spirit. This spirit is capable of
rendering a verdict, practicing divination, applying sanctions, and the setting in motion of the violent occult powers that range from positive
magic to destructive sorcery. The kafigeledio once again place us at the borderline between good and evil, the effect depending on how they
are employed and, above all, on the person¬al ethics of their possessors. Like any weapon, they can defend, avenge and protect, but also may
be used to attack, from which follows their capacity to generate disquiet and anxiety. The persons, male or female, capable of using them are
the elders who have acquired the most complex poro esoteric knowledge of the kulebele. Without the mastery of this secret science whose
acquisition requires years of training, no kulebele is capable of mobilizing the power of the kafigeledio in his possession. These small sculptures
faithfully reproduce the costume and equipment of the nyam-belege mask, the agent of social control used within the framework of poro
ceremonies. Entirely covered by a costume of fabric and a triangular hood, like the kqfigeledio, the duty of this mask is to maintain order. With
the small batons that they hold in hand, the kqfigeledio may at any moment designate the person who will fall victim to these terrible occult
powers." A.M.B. - Source: African Faces, African Figures
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