The Temple of Dendur will be closed through Friday, May 10.
Return to Genesis
Genesis: Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture
Head, 12th–14th century
Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Yoruba peoples
Terracotta, mica, quartz, and pigment; H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
Private collection
Harp-Lute Player, 16th–19th century
Mali; Dogon peoples
Wood; approximate H. 28 in. (71.1 cm)
Female Vessel Bearer (mboko), 19th century
Kunda, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Luba-Hemba peoples
Wood; H. 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm)
Reliquary Figure, 19th century
Cameroon; Fang (Ngumba) peoples
Wood and brass; H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
Primordial Couple, 19th–20th century
Côte d'Ivoire or Mali; Senufo peoples
Wood and pigment; H. (male) 45 5/8 in. (115.9 cm) and (female) 38 1/8 in. (96.5 cm)
Mask (mukyeem), 19th–20th century
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba peoples
Wood, beads, fiber, hair, cowrie shells, and cloth; H. 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Chibinda Ilunga Figure, 19th–20th century
Angola; Chokwe peoples
Wood; 15 5/8 x 6 in. (39.7 x 15.2 cm)
Headdress (a-Mantsho-na-Tshol), 19th–20th century
Guinea; Baga peoples
Wood and pigment; H. 65 1/2 in. (166.4 cm)
Pair of Male and Female Ci Wara Headdresses, 19th–20th century
Baninko region, Mali; Bamana peoples
Wood, brass tacks, metal, and quills; H. (male) 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm) and H. (female) 31 1/4 in. (79.4 cm)
The Art Institute of Chicago, Ada Turnbull Hertle Endowment
A ci wara dance video clip is available online.
Sogoni Koun Headdress, 19th–20th century
Bougouni region, Mali; Bamana peoples
Wood, fiber; H. 23 in. (58.4 cm)
A sogoni koun performance video clip is available online.
Double-Headed N'gonzon Koun Headdress, early 20th century
Banimounitié region, Mali; Bamana peoples
Wood, patina, and smoke; L. 24 1/4 in. (61.5 cm)