Le couple, éd. 8/8

Possibly late 1960s

Not on view

Created in the late 1960s, Le Couple is one of Mamadou Cheikh “Modou” Niang’s most well-known works. The tapestry depicts two silhouettes moving towards or away from one another under the protective presence of a baobab tree, symbolizing love, separation, or life’s emotional complexities. The baobab, a tree of mythical strength and longevity, serves as both witness and protector in this intimate scene. Niang’s signature style incorporates abstract, geometric motifs, adding decorative depth to the narrative. Le Couple is a significant piece within the Senegalese tapestry movement, demonstrating Niang’s unique fusion of tradition and modern abstraction.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Le couple, éd. 8/8
Artist: Mamadou Cheikh "Modou" Niang (born 1942)
Date: Possibly late 1960s
Geography: Senegal, Thiès
Culture: Senegalese
Medium: Cotton (warp), wool (weft), and other unidentified fibers
Dimensions: H. 49 3/16 x W. 41 3/4 in. (H. 125 x W. 106 cm.)
Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
Credit Line: Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund, 2025
Object Number: 2025.117
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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