Senufo culture, Ivory Coast
Late 19th - early 20th century
Copper alloy
H. 17; L 23 cm
Copper alloy helmet in the shape of a half-sphere, decorated around a vertical axis of symmetry, materialized by a ridge composed of two superimposed openwork chameleons. It is flanked by a pair of applied antelope horns, whose lower lozenges, incised with concentric circles, form a stylized zoomorphic head.
The side panels feature the demiurge couple of Koulotyolo, the creator, and Katyelo, the protective mother.
The lower rim is finely incised with a frieze of geometric motifs and features three openwork fasteners.
This helmet was made using the lost cast technique.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Item no.: 5073