Clappers

20th century

Not on view

This pair of clappers have been carved from wood. The inner side would be struck against one another in order to produce a percussive clapping sound. The outside has been carved into a woman figure with a distinctive coiffure and painted with yellow, blue, white and black pigment. Four projected points below each figure’s breasts appear to be serrated grips for the fingers. (Althea SullyCole, 2022)

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Clappers
Date: 20th century
Geography: Mali
Culture: Bamana people
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: L. 10½ x W.3½ x D. 1¾ in.
Classification: Idiophone-Concussion
Credit Line: Gift of Mark Rapoport, MD and Jane Hughes, 2000
Object Number: 2000.620.22a, b
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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