Sabariko Koné, +1949

In literature, Sabariko Koné is described as the most influencial carver of Senufo tribe. Though he was famous for not beeing the most productive one, he was a true master of the Gbato, a sub-group of the Senufo living in the region south of Boundiali. In his school in Ouézomon, he tought many students, mostly young man from his own family, like Tchétin Bêh Konaté from Zanguinasso or his own sons Yéralo, who died in 1960, or Meinyerigué Koné.

Typical for his style he developed over decades, are the long arms with a short curved ellbow and a very large upper body in proportion to the short legs with long defined feet. These proportions vary in scale of larger statues. But all his figures show a very characteristic volume and capacity. Statues he carved as a young man show similar proportions, but not yet a defined handwriting, like the top left single male Tugubele.

Later on Sabariko Koné developed the so-called Ouézomon-style, masks and statues with traditional Senufo elements like hairstyle, scars and arm jewelry.

Senufo Tugubele Senoufo art sabariko Koné early work
Male Tugubele by Sabariko Koné, Ouézomon, ealry work around 1900 - 1920

Male Tugubele, carved by  Sabariko Koné, Koulé from Ouézomon. 25,5 x 10,0 x 9,5 cm, wood. Collected by Karl-Heinz Krieg 1966 in Boundiali. Date of origin from 1900 to 1920, early work.

 

Literature:

- Wenn Brauch Gebrauch beeinflusst, Markus Ehrhard, page 77.

- Kunst und Religion bei den Gbato-Senufo, Elfenbeinküste, Karl-Heinz Krieg und Wulf Lohse, pages 29 - 30.

- Afrika Begegnung, aus der Sammlung Artur und Heidrun Elmer, pages 28 - 29.

- Aus Afrika, Ahnen - Geister - Götter, Jürgen Zwernemann, Wulf Lohse, pages 68 - 69.

- Kunst & Kontext, Ausgabe 4 2012, Dr. Andreas Schlothauer, pages 4 - 10.

 

Masterpiece Tugubele couple by Sabariko Kone Senufo Ouezomon Senoufo art
Tugubele couple by Sabariko Koné, Ouézomon, date of origin after 1930

Tugubele couple, carved by  Sabariko Koné,  Koulé from Ouézomon. Woman: 24,0 x 6,5 x 6,0 cm, Wood. Man: 25,5 x 9,5 x 7,5 cm, wood. Collected by Dramani Kolo-Zié Coulibaly 2016 in Boundiali, belonged to the Tugubele convult of a diviner in Ndara.

 

Literature:

- Wenn Urform Form bestimmt, Markus Ehrhard, pages 20 - 23, 122 - 125.

- Kunst und Religion bei den Gbato-Senufo, Elfenbeinküste, Karl-Heinz Krieg und Wulf Lohse, pages 29 - 30.

- Afrika Begegnung, aus der Sammlung Artur und Heidrun Elmer, pages 28 - 29.

- Aus Afrika, Ahnen - Geister - Götter, Jürgen Zwernemann, Wulf Lohse, pages 68 - 69.

- Kunst & Kontext, Ausgabe 4 2012, Dr. Andreas Schlothauer, pages 4 - 10.

 


Learn more about Sabariko Koné and his influence in our blog.

Senufo Tugubele couple by Sabariko Koné, Ouézomon
Tugubele couple carved by Sabariko Koné, who died in 1949