Caryatid Shrine Support Post

Origin: Karaboro Culture, Burkina Faso
Composition: wood, ritual accumulation

Very little is known about this type of post, as very few have ever entered the Western art market. In their original context, they were buried partially in the ground, and a terracotta vessel was placed in the top structure. Described by Thomas Wheelock as a "Spirit Sanctuary Pot," the terracotta vessel was probably believed to be strongly charged with supernatural power, and served to "activate" the wooden post's spiritual powers.

Posts of this type have only been found in three Karaboro Villages; Labola, Tiefora, and Kassala. Very few art/ritual objects of any type have been discovered in the Karaboro region in Southwestern Burkina Faso (Ref: Wheelock/Roy "Land of the Flying Masks").

Please contact us to inquire about this piece at (415) 362-6601 or info@sujaro.com.