Triple male figure

18th–early 20th century

Not on view

Souvenir ivories from the Loango Coast of west-central Africa were created in many forms. Among them were full elephant tusks carved in relief with multiple scenes, relief-carved plaques, and figurines such as this example. Carved onto the convex portion of an elephant's tusk, this figurine portrays three male figures wearing plain wrappers and arm bangles. The figures likely represent the large numbers of local workers who labored along the coast under the employment of foreign maritime traders.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Triple male figure
Artist: Kongo artist
Date: 18th–early 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Loango Region
Culture: Kongo peoples
Medium: Ivory
Dimensions: H. 3 1/4 x W. 1 3/8 x D. 15/16 in. (8.3 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1964
Object Number: 1978.412.348
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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By Kongo artist

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Crucifix with Saint Anthony of Padua, Kongo artist, Brass, wood, lead-tin alloy sheet, plant fiber cord, Kongo — Crucifix with Saint Anthony of Padua
Kongo artist
16th–18th century (pendant figure); 19th century (cross)

Receptacle with Figurative Relief and Stopper, Ivory, Kongo peoples; Vili group — Receptacle with Figurative Relief and Stopper
Kongo peoples; Vili group
1880–1890

'Otua fefine (deity figure), Ha'apai Islands artist, Whale ivory, Ha'apai Islands — 'Otua fefine (deity figure)
Ha'apai Islands artist
Early 19th century

Pendant with Saint Anthony of Padua, Kongo artist, Partially hollow cast brass, Kongo peoples; Kongo Kingdom — Pendant with Saint Anthony of Padua
Kongo artist
16th–19th century

Seated male figure, Kongo artist, Ivory, Kongo peoples — Seated male figure
Kongo artist
19th century

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