Object Details
Maker
Gora Mbengue, 1931 - 1988, born Senegal
Label Text
The central figure in a white robe and turban represents Sheikh Amadou Bamba (1850-1927), a Sufi saint, poet, teacher and hero of the cultural resistance against the French colonial administration. The image is based on the only surviving photograph of him before his exile to Gabon. During his absence (1895-1902), his teachings and influence spread, as did stories of his supernatural powers--from an ability to lay his prayer mat on the ocean to fighting monsters and receiving guidance from the archangel Gabriel.
Description
Reverse glass painting with four figures against a yellow sky: flying winged white robed figure; kneeling male figure in blue robe; standing male figure with white turban, scarf and robe, holding Islamic prayer beads; female figure in blue dress and green veil, holding a tea kettle and receiving an envelope from a flying bird.
Provenance
Charleton E. Williams, Washington, D.C., -- to 2002
Exhibition History
Heroes: Principles of African Greatness, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 16, 2019–October 3, 2021
African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2013–August 12, 2019 (deinstalled April 11, 2016)
African Mosaic: Celebrating a Decade of Collecting, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2010-November 13, 2013
Content Statement
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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.
Image Requests
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/
Credit Line
Bequest of Charlton E. Williams
Date
Late 20th century
Object number
2002-14-19
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
Paint on glass
Dimensions
H x W x D: 33.4 x 49 x 2 cm (13 1/8 x 19 5/16 x 13/16 in.)
Geography
Gorée Island, Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
bird
male
female
angel
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_2002-14-19