Rare semicircular panel, early 20th century · Kenya, Kikuyu · ID: 3049772
not available anymore
Provenance
Acquired on the Portobello Road in London in the 1980sTaylor Dale, Santa Fé, New Mexico
Size
B: 65,5 cm
H: 24 cm
B: 25.8 inch
H: 9.4 inch
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.
Comparing literature
Trowell (Margaret), "African Design", New York-Washington, Second Edition, 1960: plate LXII (top right)