Periodically the young land workers of a village organize highly athletic competitions. The person considered the overall winner of the different events receives a "baton," such as this lovely example, with a carved seated female figure on the top. This girl represents the ideal in feminine beauty. She is voluptuous with very large breasts, seated in a sensual pose her hands are placed alluringly on her knees, while her legs are spread apart. The headdress is classic Senufo style comprising two "winged" extensions and a curved crest reaching beyond the face. The use of red on black is particularly striking; highlighting the, lips and cheeks, and radiating outwards from the navel. As a symbol of sexuality she is the perfect "award" for a virile young man who has proven himself heroic in sporting combat. Soon he hopes to win the admiration of a girl equal to his own ideal.