Sao Putchu Guinadji horseman
€80.00
Small Putchu Guinadji horseman in copper alloy, attributed to the Sao / Kotoko traditions of the Lake Chad basin. The highly stylised composition depicts a rider mounted on a horse with long tapered legs and a distinctive curled tail. Despite its small scale, the sculpture is richly modelled, with numerous details on the rider, saddle and ornaments of the animal.
Putchu Guinadji figures are traditionally interpreted as protective amulets. Sources relating to the Sao and Kotoko associate them in particular with protection against madness or spirit possession: the rider may symbolise the possessing spirit or genie, while the horse represents the person subjected to its influence. These small figures were worn as talismans, and copper alloy itself was credited with protective qualities.
The horse, a prestigious and relatively uncommon animal in historic Sahelian societies, also evokes status, authority and power. This miniature sculpture therefore combines an apotropaic function with a strong symbolic dimension.
Shipping fees
02750
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 6 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Bronze
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Small Putchu Guinadji horseman in copper alloy, attributed to the Sao / Kotoko traditions of the Lake Chad basin. The highly stylised composition depicts a rider mounted on a horse with long tapered legs and a distinctive curled tail. Despite its small scale, the sculpture is richly modelled, with numerous details on the rider, saddle and ornaments of the animal.
Putchu Guinadji figures are traditionally interpreted as protective amulets. Sources relating to the Sao and Kotoko associate them in particular with protection against madness or spirit possession: the rider may symbolise the possessing spirit or genie, while the horse represents the person subjected to its influence. These small figures were worn as talismans, and copper alloy itself was credited with protective qualities.
The horse, a prestigious and relatively uncommon animal in historic Sahelian societies, also evokes status, authority and power. This miniature sculpture therefore combines an apotropaic function with a strong symbolic dimension.