Kissi horseman — Kissi, Sierra Leone — African tribal art — Ref. 40

Description

This sculpture represents a Kissi horseman, from a people established in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Equestrian figures among the Kissi are rare and often associated with symbols of power, prestige and spiritual authority. They may have embodied a war chief, a venerated ancestor or a mythological figure.
Used in a ritual or commemorative context, this statue may have served as an intermediary between the living and the ancestors. The image of the rider expresses mastery of the earthly and spiritual worlds, underlining the role of the horse as a symbol of power and nobility. Such sculptures were often placed on family altars or in shrines.
Made of dense wood with an old patina, this piece shows natural wear attesting to its age and handling over the years. The details of the sculpture, particularly the stylised treatment of the horse and rider, reflect Kissi craftsmanship. Its state of preservation is good, despite a few marks of time that reinforce its authenticity.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Kissi

Country

Sierra Léone

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 36 × W 12 × D 54 cm

Weight

1,8 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

40