A Large Heavy carved wooden post in female form that once was part of a mated set that decorated the outside of a chieftain's home , the posts served a practical function as well as decorative. They would alert passers by that this was the home of someone important, as well as acting as supports for the woven basketry type door that was slid into place at night for privacy.
 
This is a very old and weathered example, with a highly stylized female with split coiffure, very similar to some Mossi peoples dolls.
 
The post measures 32.5 inches tall and was carved from a very heavy and dense wood.
 
Mossi peoples, Burkina Faso, West Africa.
 
Provenance: From the collection of Gilbert Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso, Acquired from his family, also Ex Private New York city collection.