Rare semicircular panel, early 20th century · Kenya, Kikuyu · ID: 3049772
Taylor Dale, Santa Fé, New Mexico
Description
wood, pigments, plant fibre,
There is only one comparable object (AHDRC 0075129) to this rare artefact, which entered the collections of the British Museum in 1908 (Inv. no. “Af1908.0418.26”). According to the Museum, the object was held in hand and beaten with a stick in dances.
Considering the fiber lug for hanging and the flatness of the panel, it is more likely that it was designed to be hang from a flat surface. The incised and coloured graphic elements on our example may represent seasons and harvests.
The object Rare semicircular panel, early 20th century with the object ID 3049772 was last part of the auction Sale 100 at April 15, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 94.
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Comparing literature
Trowell (Margaret), "African Design", New York-Washington, Second Edition, 1960: plate LXII (top right)