Seated Figures Playing Instrument
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.48.
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Title
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Seated Figures Playing Instrument
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Ethnic Group
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Dogon
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Subject
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Figure|Ritual|West Africa
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Country
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Mali
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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wood with organic materials
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Format
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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)
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Description
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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.
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Type
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Bala players
