Sejen (Bird)
Wood, Pigment CA. 20th Century
H. 62 1/2 x W. 21 x D. 19 in.
This is representative of the variety of large-scale bird sculptures that were produced by the Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The bird, or “sejen”, does not necessarily represent a specific type of bird. Individuals sometimes refer to bird sculpture as “kasinge”, a reference to the first ancestor. The term Senufo refers to a linguistic group comprised of roughly thirty related dialects within the Gur language family. Typically, the birds stand guard protecting members of the Senufo village in the sacred grove of Poro. The birds are carried in processions and sometimes worn on the heads as a dramatic display of strength during some initiation and funeral rituals. Poro refers to the central social institution to which all men within the region belong. The term Senufo refers to a linguistic group comprised of roughly thirty related dialects within the Gur language family. Poro refers to the central social institution to which all men within the region belong.
At the DuSable Black History Museum, the Sejen Bird Spirit Animal is positioned in front of the Equiano exhibition entrance, symbolically standing guard over the village.
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