Figurine: Three Males

18th–20th century

Not on view

Souvenir ivories from the Loango Coast of west-central Africa were created in many forms. Among them were full elephant tusks carved in relief with multiple scenes, relief-carved plaques, and figurines such as this example. Carved onto the convex portion of an elephant's tusk, this figurine portrays three male figures wearing plain wrappers and arm bangles. The figures likely represent the large numbers of local workers who labored along the coast under the employment of foreign maritime traders.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Figurine: Three Males
Date: 18th–20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Loango Region
Culture: Kongo peoples
Medium: Ivory
Dimensions: H. 3 1/4 x W. 1 3/8 x D. 15/16 in. (8.3 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1964
Object Number: 1978.412.348
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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