standing male figure playing a small xylophone-like instrument held at his stomach; man's hair styled in rows of braids; man wears a necklace or collar; small facial features

Male figure, 17th-18th century

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This musician has been playing his xylophone for more than 250 years. Among the oldest woodcarvings in these galleries, it was created by the Dogon people from Mali, who have a very old art tradition. Its dry surface and lack of a thick crust of offerings suggest that it was not used as an altarpiece, as many Dogon figures are. Instead, it was probably made as a reference to migrations long ago, when the ancestors of the Dogon left the Mali Empire around the 14th century.

Details
Title
Male figure
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2011.72
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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standing male figure playing a small xylophone-like instrument held at his stomach; man's hair styled in rows of braids; man wears a necklace or collar; small facial features