Senufo Musician Figure with Xylophone and Pipe Côte d’Ivoire

Striking Senufo carved wooden musician figure from Côte d’Ivoire, depicting a standing male musician wearing a distinctive conical hat and playing a traditional xylophone (balafon). The figure holds the instrument with both hands, while a curved pipe or smoking implement extends from his mouth.

The elongated figure, stylized facial features, carefully articulated hands and feet, and incised geometric decoration reflect the distinctive sculptural vocabulary associated with Senufo art. The xylophone is rendered with notable detail, including its individual keys and structural elements. The sculpture has a dark, richly aged surface with areas of wear and patination that add to its character.

A compelling example of Senufo figural sculpture, particularly appealing for collectors of West African musical instruments, African art, and ethnographic sculpture.