In the heart of Ivory Coast, amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant cultures, the Calao hornbill emerges as a symbol of profound wisdom and healing. This majestic bird, revered in the Senufo culture, is not merely a creature of flight but a bearer of ancestral knowledge and a bridge to the spiritual world.
The Legend of the Calao
The legend of the Calao hornbill is as enchanting as it is enlightening. It is said that this bird, with its powerful beak, picks at a man’s forehead, bestowing upon him unparalleled power, knowledge, and wisdom. This act, far from being a mere myth, is deeply rooted in the Senufo people’s understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
The Kpelié Mask The Kpelié mask, crafted from wood or metal, carries the central mark of the Calao’s touch—a symbol that transcends its physical form to represent a spiritual scarification, a beauty mark of the soul. These masks, ranging from diminutive to human-sized, serve as conduits for diviners to connect with the divine or as adornments for dancers, transforming movement into a narrative of the sacred.
Calao statues are utilized by diviners in their practices, serving as tools to aid in healing and problem-solving within the community. These figures help the diviner to channel the spiritual energy and wisdom of the Calao, providing guidance and remedies to those in need1.
The artistic evolution of the Calao’s portrayal—from traditional black stain treatment to contemporary brass plates—reflects the cultural significance and changing perceptions of the bird’s healing powers. While the modern adaptations may lack the ritualistic meaning, the essence of the Calao as a healing figure remains intact in the collective memory of the Senufo people.
Training and Knowledge
In Senufo culture, diviners hold a pivotal role as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realm. They are highly respected within their communities for their extensive knowledge and their ability to communicate with the spiritual world, often through the use of sculptures and altars that reflect their connection to nature and the divine.
Diviners typically undergo rigorous training that prepares them to understand complex problems in people’s lives. They master knowledge of the landscape, develop abilities to communicate with spiritual entities, and create aesthetically rich environments for consultations.
Nature Spirits and Divination
The Senufo link divinatory spirits with nature, such as water, trees, and uncultivated landscapes. These spirits, conceived as anthropomorphic beings with backward-pointing feet and often invisible to the human eye, may assist people in maintaining good health, achieving success, and developing satisfactory relationships. However, they can also be held accountable for illness or hardship, and thus are regarded with ambivalence.
The Calao in Rituals The Calao’s image atop the Kpelié masks, especially those with a Calao head and a long peg covering the face, is not only an artistic expression but also a manifestation of the bird’s healing and protective powers. These masks are presumed to be danced at harvest festivals, symbolizing the wisdom and prosperity of a successful farmer.
The Role of Diviners
Diviners are responsible for maintaining good relations with the spiritual world. They consult with individuals about medical, psychological, professional, or personal challenges, prescribing medicinal remedies and offering other suggestions. Their role is crucial in preemptive measures designed to appease spirits who may be offended by human activities such as hunting, farming, or drawing water.
Sando Association
Many distinguished diviners in Senufo communities belong to the sando association. Membership typically passed through the mother’s line, and most sando diviners were women, although men could also enter the practice. New sando diviners often first acquired miniature metal sculptures in the form of figurative twins as part of their initiation.
Artistic Interpretation
The diversity of divinatory arts attests to diviners’ perceptions of nature spirits’ unique preferences and artists’ interpretations of them. Sculptures commissioned by diviners serve to appeal to capricious spirits and seek their goodwill.
In essence, diviners in Senufo culture are guardians of the balance between the earthly and the spiritual, using their skills and knowledge to guide their communities through the complexities of life and the unseen forces that influence it.
Artistic Evolution
The artistic portrayal of the Calao has evolved over time, mirroring the changes within the Senufo culture itself. Antique statues bear the traditional black stain treatment, a testament to their age and the hands that shaped them. Post-1950 creations are often painted white, adorned with ornaments, and in contemporary times, some are even partially covered with brass plates. While these modern interpretations may serve an aesthetic purpose, especially in ‘Airport-art,’ they lack the ritualistic significance of their predecessors.
The Archetype of the Calao in Senufo Culture The Calao is more than an animal in Senufo culture; it is an archetype, a stylized and abstract representation of the tribe’s core values and beliefs. The bird’s image, perched atop many classic Kpelié masks, serves as a reminder of the tribe’s connection to the spiritual realm and the wisdom it holds.
African Art as a Healing Force
African art, particularly that of the Senufo, is a testament to the healing power of cultural expression. It is a visual narrative that weaves together the threads of medicine, art, and spirituality, illustrating the role of creativity in nurturing the body, mind, and soul. The significance of these artworks lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but in their ability to convey the importance of tradition, authenticity, and provenance.
As we delve into the rich tapestry of Senufo art and the symbolism of the Calao hornbill, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom that African tribal art embodies. It is a wisdom that speaks to the healing genealogy of a people, the transformative aspect of their sculptures, and the significant impact their art has had on tribal and global art alike. In the end, the Calao’s legend and the art it inspires continue to offer power, knowledge, and wisdom to all who are willing to receive it.
