A Senufo Tribe Daybed

This large carved and chiseled bed was carved from a single piece of iroko wood in the Ivory Coast. It dates to the early 20th Century. Abstract and sculptural, the wooden forms of the Senufo people of West Africa are imbued with a unique personality that reveals the hand of the maker. This large wooden daybed is no exception, artfully chiseled from a single tree trunk to an elongated, rectangular surface with tapered legs and an elevated curved headrest. Known as a gbag, the ceremonial bed was used ritually at the center of dance performances to honor the spirits of loved ones and celebrate important events. This example is sculpted with expressive details and a precisely faceted surface that is smooth and rewarding to the touch. The surface is beautifully patinated with a rich, warm color.