Tickets
DonateMembership
Tickets
Sahel: Art and Empires on the Shores of the Sahara
Exhibition

Sahel: Art and Empires on the Shores of the Sahara

OverviewExhibition ObjectsRelated ContentInside the Exhibition
Megalith , Lateritic conglomerate
Returned to lender

Megalith

8th–9th century
Monolith, Sandstone
Returned to lender
Monolith
280–620
Female Body (Venus of Thiaroye), Sandstone
Returned to lender
Female Body (Venus of Thiaroye)
Before 2000 BCE (?)
Equestrian, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Soninke peoples
ca. 1400
Equestrian, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Equestrian
3rd–10th century
Equestrian, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Middle Niger civilization
12th–15th century
Equestrian, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Middle Niger civilization
12th–16th century
Equestrian, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Equestrian, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Equestrian pendant, Dogon or Bozo blacksmith, Copper alloy, Dogon or Bozo peoples
Equestrian pendant
Dogon or Bozo blacksmith
19th century
Equestrian, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Equestrian, Wood, pigments, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Dogon peoples
16th–17th century
Equestrian, Wood, pigments, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Dogon peoples
17th–19th century
Equestrian, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Dogon peoples
18th–19th century (?)
Equestrian, Dogon blacksmith, Wood, metal, Dogon peoples
Equestrian
Dogon blacksmith
16th–18th century
Timbuktu Landscape, Fritz Nansen German, Oil on canvas
Returned to lender
Timbuktu Landscape
Fritz Nansen
1908
Kora, Calabash, hide, wood, copper, vegetable fiber
Returned to lender
Kora
before 1878
West Africa (Senegal) Dakar—Native griot with his guitar [Afrique Occidentale (Sénégal) Dakar—Griot indigène avec sa guitare], Louis Hostalier (Senegal) French, Postcard format photomechanical reproduction published by Metharam Bros. et Cie. Dakar
West Africa (Senegal) Dakar—Native griot with his guitar [Afrique Occidentale (Sénégal) Dakar—Griot indigène avec sa guitare]
Louis Hostalier (Senegal)
Publisher Metharam Brothers et Cie
ca. 1900
Bala Players, Hardwood with organic materials, iron, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Bala Players
Dogon peoples
15th–16th century
Joueur de balafon (Balafon Player), Paper
Joueur de balafon (Balafon Player)
ca. 1900
Bala, Wood, gourd, hide, membrane, Malinke
Bala
Malinke
19th century
Female Figure, Terracotta, Ghana empire
Returned to lender
Female Figure
Ghana empire
7th–11th century
Vessel, Terracotta, pigments, Ghana empire
Returned to lender
Vessel
Ghana empire
12th–14th century
Three Beads, Carnelian
Returned to lender
Three Beads
1000–1250 and 12th century
Bead, Carnelian
Returned to lender
Bead
14th century (?)
Horse or Chariot Ornament, Bronze
Returned to lender
Horse or Chariot Ornament
9th–12th century
Beads, Gold, Wanar
Returned to lender
Beads
Wanar
6th century CE (?)
Bead, Gold, Wanar
Returned to lender
Bead
Wanar
6th century
Pectoral (The Rao Pectoral) and Five Gold Beads, Gold
Returned to lender
Pectoral (The Rao Pectoral) and Five Gold Beads
12th–13th century
Woman's Tunic, Wool, dye
Returned to lender
Woman's Tunic
8th century
Torso of an Equestrian, Terracotta, Bura-Asinda-Sikka
Returned to lender
Torso of an Equestrian
Bura-Asinda-Sikka
3rd–11th century, excavated 1985
Female Torso, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Female Torso
3rd–11th century
Hand, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Hand
3rd–11th century
Pair of Heads, Terracotta, Bura-Asinda-Sikka Site
Returned to lender
Pair of Heads
Bura-Asinda-Sikka Site
3rd–11th century, excavated 1985
Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Head
3rd–11th century
Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Head
3rd–11th century
Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Head
3rd–11th century
Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Head
3rd–11th century
Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Head
3rd–11th century
Snake Head, Terracotta
Returned to lender
Snake Head
3rd–11th century
Beads, Glass
Returned to lender
Beads
Date unknown
Bracelet , Bronze, Bura peoples
Returned to lender

Bracelet

Bura peoples
3rd–11th century
Female Figure, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Female Figure
Soninke peoples
18th–19th century
Figure, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Figure
Soninke peoples
11th–14th century
Figure, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Figure
Soninke peoples
1218–1270
Male Figure, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Male Figure
Soninke peoples
10th century
Kneeling Figure, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Kneeling Figure
Soninke peoples
12th–13th century
Figure Group, Wood, Soninke or Dogon peoples
Figure Group
Soninke or Dogon peoples
16th–19th century
Male Warrior, Wood, Soninke peoples
Returned to lender
Male Warrior
Soninke peoples
1120–1210
Camel Saddle, Wood, leather, copper, dye, Tuareg peoples
Returned to lender
Camel Saddle
Tuareg peoples
19th century
Staff with seated male leader, Dogon or Bozo blacksmith, Copper alloy, iron, Dogon or Bozo
Staff with seated male leader
Dogon or Bozo blacksmith
16th–17th century
Scepter, Elephant ivory
Returned to lender
Scepter
Before 1786
Coins, Gold, Morocco or Tunisia
Coins
Morocco or Tunisia
10th–14th century
Salt Plaque, Salt, pigments
Returned to lender
Salt Plaque
Before 1938
Weight, Glass, Ifriqiya civilization
Returned to lender
Weight
Ifriqiya civilization
953–973
Gold Weights, Brass, Akan peoples
Gold Weights
Akan peoples
1400–1885
Maritime Map of the Mediterranean, Mecià de Viladestes Spanish, Manuscript on vellum
Returned to lender
Maritime Map of the Mediterranean
Author Mecià de Viladestes
1413
Saddle Bag, Leather, pigments, Tuareg peoples
Returned to lender
Saddle Bag
Tuareg peoples
19th century
Tarikh Ibn al-Mukhtar, Tarikh Ibn al-Mukhtar, Manuscript on paper
Returned to lender
Tarikh Ibn al-Mukhtar
Author Tarikh Ibn al-Mukhtar
Before 1911
The Important Stars Among the Multitude of The Heavens , Manuscript on paper
Returned to lender

The Important Stars Among the Multitude of The Heavens

1733
Curing Diseases and Effects both Apparent and Hidden , Manuscript on paper, Timbuktu
Returned to lender

Curing Diseases and Effects both Apparent and Hidden

Timbuktu
18th century
Ahmad Baba ibn Ahmad ibn Umar ibn Muhammad. Aqit al-Tumbukti. Miraj al-Suud ila nayl Majlub al-Sudan (Ahmad Baba Answers a Moroccan’s Questions about Slavery), Manuscript on paper
Returned to lender
Ahmad Baba ibn Ahmad ibn Umar ibn Muhammad. Aqit al-Tumbukti. Miraj al-Suud ila nayl Majlub al-Sudan (Ahmad Baba Answers a Moroccan’s Questions about Slavery)
19th century
Qur’anic Board, Wood, ink
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
20th century
Qur’anic Board, Wood, ink, leather
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
20th century
Qur’anic Board, Wood, ink
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
Before 1879
Qur’anic Board, Wood, ink, Kangaba
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
Kangaba
Before 1885
Qur’anic Board or Asselloum (Tamacheq), Wood, ink, leather
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board or Asselloum (Tamacheq)
Early 20th century
Qur’anic Board, Wood
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
Before 1890
Qur’anic Board, Wood, ink
Returned to lender
Qur’anic Board
19th century
Marabout Tablet, Wood, Senegal
Returned to lender
Marabout Tablet
Senegal
Before 1830
Hippopotamus Ornament, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Hippopotamus Ornament
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Quadruped with Two Human Figures, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Quadruped with Two Human Figures
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Buffalo, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Buffalo
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Male Figure, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Female Figure, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Female Figure
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Vessel, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Vessel
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Ornament: Head with Raised Arms, Copper, brass, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Ornament: Head with Raised Arms
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Neck Ring, Copper alloy, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Neck Ring
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Bracelet, Copper alloy, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Bracelet
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Reclining Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Reclining Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Kneeling Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Kneeling Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Kneeling Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Figure
Middle Niger civilization
11th–14th century
Seated Couple, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Couple
Middle Niger civilization
12th–16th century
Pendant: Seated Couple, Brass, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Pendant: Seated Couple
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Praying Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Praying Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Pendant: Male Figure with Crossed Arms, Bronze, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Pendant: Male Figure with Crossed Arms
Middle Niger civilization
9th–14th century
Kneeling Dignitary, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Dignitary
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Kneeling Female Figure with Crossed Arms, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Female Figure with Crossed Arms
Middle Niger civilization
12th–15th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Seated Male Figure, Terracotta, quartz, Middle Niger civilization
Returned to lender
Seated Male Figure
Middle Niger civilization
12th–14th century
Tunic, Cotton, indigo
Returned to lender
Tunic
Before 1659
Tunic, Cotton, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Tunic
Tellem civilization
15th–16th century
Blanket, Cotton, indigo
Returned to lender
Blanket
19th–early 20th century
Headrest, Wood, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Headrest
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Headrest, Wood, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Headrest
Tellem civilization
890–970
Stool, Wood, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Stool
Tellem civilization
11th–14th century
Bead, Carnelian, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Bead
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Bead, Glass, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Bead
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Labret, Crystal, iron, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Labret
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Bead, Carnelian, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Bead
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Labret, Crystal, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Labret
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Labret, Crystal, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Labret
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Bead, Stone, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Bead
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Figure with Raised Arms, Wood, organic materials, Dogon or Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Dogon or Tellem civilization
16th–17th century
Couple with Raised Arms, Wood, organic materials, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Couple with Raised Arms
Tellem civilization
13th century (?)
Figure with Raised Arms, Wood, organic materials, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century (?)
Figure with Raised Arms, Wood, organic materials, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century (?)
Figure with Raised Arms (?), Wood, organic materials, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms (?)
Tellem civilization
14th century
Figure with Raised Arms, Wood, organic materials, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Tellem civilization
10th–13th century
Female figure with raised arm, Tellem blacksmith, Wood (Moraceae family), applied organic materials, Tellem civilization (?)
Female figure with raised arm
Tellem blacksmith
15th–16th century
Vessels, Terracotta, Ghana empire
Vessels
Ghana empire
Various dates ranging 740–1340
Necklace, Carnelian, Killi Tumulus
Returned to lender
Necklace
Killi Tumulus
10th–14th century
Beads, Earthenware
Returned to lender
Beads
10th–14th century (?)
Bottles and Vessel, Terracotta
Bottles and Vessel
Various dates, ranging 1000–1480
Three Bonnets and a Cap, Cotton, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Three Bonnets and a Cap
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Textile Fragment, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Blanket Fragment, Cotton, wool, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Blanket Fragment
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Textile Fragment, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
15th–16th century (?)
Textile Fragment, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
12th–13th century
Textile Fragment, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Blanket, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Blanket
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Textile Fragment, Wool, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Textile Fragment, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Textile Fragment
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Sleeve from a Tunic, Cotton, dye, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Sleeve from a Tunic
Tellem civilization
11th–15th century
Tunic Fragment, Cotton, Tellem civilization
Returned to lender
Tunic Fragment
Tellem civilization
12th–13th century
Figure, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Figure
Dogon peoples
Late 15th–early 17th century
Ring with Horse, Copper, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Ring with Horse
Dogon peoples
Before 1931
Ring with Horse, Brass, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Ring with Horse
Dogon peoples
19th–mid-20th century
Prisoner, Bronze, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Prisoner
Dogon peoples
19th–mid-20th century
Kneeling Male Figure, Bronze, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Kneeling Male Figure
Dogon peoples
19th–mid-20th century
Kneeling Male Figure, Bronze, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Kneeling Male Figure
Dogon peoples
16th–19th century
Seated Figure, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Seated Figure
Dogon peoples
16th–19th century
Seated Figure (Dyongou Serou), Dogon blacksmith, Wood, sacrificial materials, Dogon peoples
Seated Figure (Dyongou Serou)
Dogon blacksmith
16th–early 20th century
Seated Figure, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Seated Figure
Dogon peoples
early 20th century
Seated Hermaphrodite Figure, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Seated Hermaphrodite Figure
Dogon peoples
18th century
Figure: Mother and Child, Wood, Dogon peoples
Figure: Mother and Child
Dogon peoples
16th–20th century
Mother and Child Figure, Wood, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Mother and Child Figure
Dogon peoples
17th–19th century (?)
Female Vessel Bearer, Master of Tintam, Wood, red pigment, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Female Vessel Bearer
Master of Tintam
1260–1380
Figure with Raised Arms, Master of Tintam, Wood, red pigment, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Master of Tintam
13th–14th century
Figure with Raised Arms, Master of Tintam, Wood, red pigment, Dogon peoples
Returned to lender
Figure with Raised Arms
Master of Tintam
13th–14th century
Talismanic Tunic, Cotton, leather, Mande peoples
Returned to lender
Talismanic Tunic
Mande peoples
19th century
Talismanic Tunic, Cotton, leather
Returned to lender
Talismanic Tunic
19th century
Talismanic Manuscript, Paper, leather, Guinea
Returned to lender
Talismanic Manuscript
Guinea
1884–1885
Boubou Tilbi, Cotton, silk
Returned to lender
Boubou Tilbi
Before 1962
Boubou Tilbi, Cotton, silk
Returned to lender
Boubou Tilbi
19th–early 20th century
Tarikh al-Sudan (Histoire des Songhois et des Rois du Soudan), Composite manuscript on paper
Returned to lender
Tarikh al-Sudan (Histoire des Songhois et des Rois du Soudan)
Date unknown
Commemorative Stela for Queen M.s.r (or M.s.n) Inscribed in Ornamental Kufic, Schist
Returned to lender
Commemorative Stela for Queen M.s.r (or M.s.n) Inscribed in Ornamental Kufic
1119
Commemorative Stela for Bariqa, Daughter of Kuri, Inscribed in Ornamental Kufic , Schist
Returned to lender

Commemorative Stela for Bariqa, Daughter of Kuri, Inscribed in Ornamental Kufic

1140
Kneeling Female Figure, Terracotta, quartz, Bankoni civilization
Returned to lender
Kneeling Female Figure
Bankoni civilization
15th–16th century
Standing Male Warrior , Bronze, Bankoni civilization
Returned to lender

Standing Male Warrior

Bankoni civilization
15th century (?)
Equestrian, Terracotta, Bankoni civilization
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Bankoni civilization
Late 14th–early 15th century
Bonnet, Cotton, dye, Mande peoples
Returned to lender
Bonnet
Mande peoples
Ca. 1840
Bonnet, Cotton, dye, Mande peoples
Returned to lender
Bonnet
Mande peoples
Before 1840
Bonnet, Cotton, silk, dye, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Bonnet
Bamana peoples
Before 1879
Boubou, Cotton, silk, dye, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Boubou
Bamana peoples
Before 1879
Selections from the Treasure of Ahmadu, Gold, silver, leather
Selections from the Treasure of Ahmadu
late 18th–early 19th century
Portrait of a Woman, Gelatin silver print from a glass plate negative
Portrait of a Woman
1975
Composite Manuscript with Ahmed Baba’s Poems, Manuscript on paper
Returned to lender
Composite Manuscript with Ahmed Baba’s Poems
1693–1890
Manuscript on Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, Manuscript on vellum
Returned to lender
Manuscript on Islamic Law and Jurisprudence
1827
Tarikh al-Sudan ‘abd al-Rahman Ibn ‘al-Allah al-Sa‘di, Manuscript on paper, Timbuktu
Returned to lender
Tarikh al-Sudan ‘abd al-Rahman Ibn ‘al-Allah al-Sa‘di
Timbuktu
1791–1792
Helmet with Seated Male Figure, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Helmet with Seated Male Figure
Bamana peoples
19th century
Ngoni Player, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Ngoni Player
Bamana peoples
19th–20th century
Equestrian, Wood, Iron staples, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Equestrian
Bamana peoples
19th–20th century
Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Mother and Child
Bamana peoples
15th–early 20th century
Seated Female Figure, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Seated Female Figure
Bamana peoples
19th–mid-20th century (?)
Whistle Player, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Whistle Player
Bamana peoples
19th–mid-20th century (?)
Female Vessel Bearer, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Female Vessel Bearer
Bamana peoples
19th–mid-20th century (?)
Male Figure with Head Turned, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Male Figure with Head Turned
Bamana peoples
19th century (?)
Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Mother and Child
Bamana peoples
18th century
Female Vessel Bearer, Wood, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Female Vessel Bearer
Bamana peoples
19th century (?)
Wrapper, Cotton, indigo
Returned to lender
Wrapper
19th–early 20th century
Blanket, Cotton,dye, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Blanket
Bamana peoples
Before 1840
Lomasa, Cotton, dye
Returned to lender
Lomasa
Late 18th–early 19th century
Boli, Wood, sacrificial materials, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Boli
Bamana peoples
19th–20th century
Bogolan Wrap, Cotton, dye, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Bogolan Wrap
Bamana peoples
Before 1910
Bogolan Tunic, Cotton, dye, Bamana peoples
Returned to lender
Bogolan Tunic
Bamana peoples
Before 1910