Seated Figures Playing Instrument
Item
Accession Number
2024.48.
Title
Seated Figures Playing Instrument
Ethnic Group
Dogon
Subject
Figure|Ritual|West Africa
Country
Mali
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
wood with organic materials
Format
H x W x D: 11 3/8 in x 6 1/8 in x 5 7/8 in (28.893 cm x 15.558 cm x 14.923 cm)
Description
Two seated figures playing the balafon, an instrument that was relatively uncommon in Dogon communities. The Balafon was used for ceremonial purposes. The sculpture itself could be in reference to two specific characters from the epic narratives of the formation of the Mali empire, Sologon and Bala, ca. 1230. Twin figures are seated in front of a xylophone-type instrument, with mallets in each hand.
Type
Bala players