H x W x D: 8.6 x 1.4 x 0.2 cm (3 3/8 x 9/16 x 1/16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Keys are symbols of wealth and status. Both locks and keys may be highly decorated with openwork designs and hammered engravings. This relatively simple key is one of three needed to open a single lock.
Description:
Simple retangular shaped key with triangular shaped bottom. The middle is covered with copper and incised engravings.
Provenance:
Private European collection, collected Niger or Mali, 1959-1971 to 1993
Exhibition History:
Art from the Forge, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 6, 1995-January 2, 1996
Content Statement:
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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/
