Senufo Hornbill Bird Sculpture, Côte d' Ivoire

Significance Description of Senufo Hornbill Bird Sculpture:

Senufo hornbill bird sculptures, called poro piibele or sejen, come from the Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These stylized wooden carvings represent the hornbill, a bird deeply rooted in Senufo mythology as a symbol of wisdom, fertility, and the connection between the earthly and spiritual worlds. Traditionally used in ceremonies by the Poro society—an influential male initiation group—the sculptures were brought out during rites of passage and funerals, believed to offer protection and channel ancestral knowledge. With their bold forms and layered symbolism, they’ve become some of the most recognizable works in West African art. It's rare to see brightly painted examples like this one, as most are left in natural wood or finished with subtle pigments.

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in Ivory Coast

Dimensions:

• Depth: 13" 

• Width: 31" 

• Height: 55"

• Dimensions include the black base

.Sustainable Materials: 

• Natural paint and stain

• Indigenous wood

Display:

• The custom base seen in the photos is included with the piece.

Shipping & Delivery:

• S hipping for large or fragile pieces like this is determined on a case-by-case basis, as custom crates may be required for added protection. To ensure you receive the best shipping rate, we calculate costs after purchase. For a shipping estimate on the large pieces, please give us a call! 212-838-3650 or email info@hemingwayafricangallery.com

• Delivery in the greater New York area is available via truck. 

• Each shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.

• International Shipping: We ship around the world! Our website cannot process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the continental U.S.A., (including Hawaii and Alaska).

• The Myth of Free Shipping: Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery carefully selects pieces from artists and collectors whose work aligns with our historical and aesthetic standards. This includes newly created artworks that are actively used in ceremonies, which we deeply value despite their lack of age or antiquity. We recognize these as authentic expressions of artistic and cultural heritage, rather than mere tourist trade items.

Our collection also features works by skilled artisans who create fine art inspired by historic styles, as well as contemporary African pieces that may not fit traditional perceptions of ‘African’ art. We celebrate the evolving aesthetics of the continent, striving to showcase design that moves beyond the conventional ‘tribal’ label, reflecting the innovation and creativity of emerging artists.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing is directly aligned with the asking prices set by artists in Zimbabwe and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. It’s time to challenge the misconception that African artists’ work should be undervalued. Supporting our artists by ensuring they are paid fairly for their fine art is our top priority, and our pricing reflects this commitment.

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.