Object Details
Maker
Baule artist
Label Text
Gold leafing is a centuries-old technique in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. A small pellet of gold is repeatedly hammered and turned on an anvil to achieve a uniformly thin sheet. This sheet is then placed on a carved wood object and affixed with tiny metal staples or an adhesive. In addition to hair ornaments, this technique is applied to a wide variety of figures and prestige display items that are owned by individuals of high status.
Description
Wood and gold leaf comb and/or hair ornament surmounted by two sitting birds and decorated in geometric designs.
Provenance
Judith Timyan, acquired Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, 1974 to 1994
Exhibition History
Inauguration 2009, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-March 2, 2009
Hair in African Art and Culture, Museum for African Art Long Island City, NY, February 9-May 28, 2000; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, February 8-April 15, 2001; California African-American Museum, Los Angeles, May 14-August 15, 2001; Diggs Gallery, Winston-Salem State University, September 22-December 15, 2001
Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007
Published References
Sieber, Roy and Frank Herreman. 2000. Hair in African Art and Culture. New York: Museum for African Art; Munich: Prestel, p. 126, no. 115.
Content Statement
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Credit Line
Gift of Judith Timyan
Date
Early to mid-20th century
Object number
94-3-2
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Wood, gold leaf, thread
Dimensions
H x W x D: 10.1 x 4.7 x 2.9 cm (4 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Geography
Côte d'Ivoire
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
bird
Adornment
geometric motif
male
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_94-3-2