Briefcase

Artists in several African countries have appropriated and reinvented the iconic form of the stylish, slim briefcase. Made from discarded sheets of aluminum drink cans and mass-produced grocery containers and then lined with comics, these briefcases are fun, eye-catching and ironic. Crafted from discarded materials rather than leather and fine cloth, the use of industrial goods reinforces the message contained in these symbols of modernization.

Green recycled metal (Heinekin beer cans) briefcase lined with comics.

Unknown artist, Senegal, mid-20th century. Sold to Irene M. Petty (1925? - 2005) and Wilbert C. Petty (died 1986), Silver Spring, Md., likely while living in Senegal between 1959-1974 [1]; by bequest to the estate of Irene M. Petty, Silver Spring, MD, 2005; by bequest to the National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., 2008.

[1] Curatorial research and correspondence, National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C.

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/