Door

Single-panel door from the Senufo people, Mali or Côte d'Ivoire, probably from a shrine, without a lock and retaining the projecting pivots that fitted into the hinges. A large hornbill shown in profile occupies almost the entire surface, displaying its enormous curved beak. It does not represent a real bird but rather the monumental three-dimensional sculptures of the hornbill, also known as the calao, which are carried by dancers during specific ceremonies using a hemispherical cap, also depicted here. On the side opposite the large beak, a second miniature hornbill perches on the wing of the first. The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00027 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC.