Great hornbill - Wood - Ségèn - SENOUFO - Ivory Coast

This is the primordial Senufo bird, it is the protector par excellence. It is called ‘Ségèn’. Its swollen body makes it the symbol of fertility and fecundity. It represents and evokes prosperity. According to the Senoufo myths, this bird was one of the five first animals that appeared on earth, with the chameleon, the turtle, the snake and the crocodile. It brings the souls of the deceased to the other world, and usually serves in the initiatory rites of the Poro. Besides its fecundity, the hornbill embodies three great notions which characterise the Senufo: Its large back indicates that it bears a lot in order to protect its posterity, it is said that it endures much. Its large belly means that it knows much but says nothing. This is the wisdom, the knowledge that is hidden and should not be visible to the naked eye. Its long and pointed beak represents the one who speaks little. It is the expression of the one who only speaks to commit himself, this commitment is the symbol of determination. Superb patina of use.