Among the Senufo, such an equestrian figure, known as Sien Yulie, plays an important role in village or ritual ceremonies. It often embodies bush spirits — mandeô or tugubele — and is also used by diviners during consultation rituals. The horse, although rare in the region, symbolizes power, prestige, and the ability to travel between the visible and invisible worlds. It gives the sculpture a strong spiritual status, often associated with authority figures or supernatural entities. This piece stands out for its reversed scale between rider and mount: here, the horse dominates in size, which is uncommon in Senufo sculpture, where the rider is typically emphasized. This inversion enhances the monumental presence of the animal, perhaps to underline its role as a spiritual mediator rather than that of its rider.

Man riding Horse sculpture
carved wood
late 19th century
Senufo
Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
48.5 × 34.5 cm

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