Description
These beds are designed and constructed by the largely animist, Senufo People from West Africa, particularly in the regions of Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso. The simple elegance of this bed enhances its sculptural quality as a functional work of art. It features a mainly flat surface with minimal adornments. The monumental bed with its tapered legs and generous curved headrest is carved from a single tree trunk. Only a very influential chief of the Senufo could have afforded the transport of such a giant tree. The bed is marked by a rich, dark brown patina with no signs of indigenous repairs. In traditional Senufo culture, these beds were used for important rituals such as births and weddings and were considered a symbol of wealth and status. They were also used for sleeping and relaxation. Senufo beds are now highly sought after by collectors and museums, and are considered to be important examples of African tribal art.
