Top to shea butter container
Senufo, Ivory Coast
19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: The Karob collection-Margarete Wells, Boston-acquired 1967 in Monrovia.
Crafted by the skilled hands of the Senufo people, this shea butter container cover is a testament to their intricate artistry. Shaped in the form of a standing female figure, with a fine elaborate coiffure and facial scarifications, embodying the Senufo ideals of beauty. The dark and encrusted surface, resonant with a lustrous patina, mirrors the radiant complexion promised by the shea butter within. For the Senufo, who place great emphasis on personal cleanliness and beauty, these covers transcend mere utility, becoming a harmonious blend of cultural expression and practical elegance. Each carving reflects the profound interconnectedness of function and aesthetics, encapsulating the Senufo tradition of shea butter use and the enduring pursuit of beauty in everyday rituals.
Top to shea butter container
Senufo, Ivory Coast
19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: The Karob collection-Margarete Wells, Boston-acquired 1967 in Monrovia.
Crafted by the skilled hands of the Senufo people, this shea butter container cover is a testament to their intricate artistry. Shaped in the form of a standing female figure, with a fine elaborate coiffure and facial scarifications, embodying the Senufo ideals of beauty. The dark and encrusted surface, resonant with a lustrous patina, mirrors the radiant complexion promised by the shea butter within. For the Senufo, who place great emphasis on personal cleanliness and beauty, these covers transcend mere utility, becoming a harmonious blend of cultural expression and practical elegance. Each carving reflects the profound interconnectedness of function and aesthetics, encapsulating the Senufo tradition of shea butter use and the enduring pursuit of beauty in everyday rituals.