Boat model

Object Details

Label Text

In the 19th century, Duala peoples dominated fishing and trade in the Wuri River delta, acting as middlemen between Europeans on the coast and locals living in the interior. In the early 1800s, returning Duala fishermen raced to port. Eventually, leaders and wealthy locals built larger and more ornate boats specifically for special, ceremonial sporting events. After the region became a German colony in 1884, races were held in honor of the kaiser’s birthday, explaining the German flag and sailors on this model. Later, the French colonial government continued sponsoring races until the 1950s.

Description

Wood model of a festival boat with 17 European rowers, drummer, German flag-holder, and zoomorphic prow ornament. Painted with yellow, red, green white and black paint paint. Impressed with old collection numbers.

Provenance

A.E. Christian, -- to 1901

Liverpool Museum, Liverpool, 1901 to ca. 1945

Private collection, England, ca. 1945 to ??

Lance Entwistle, London

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Westreich, -- to 1976

Exhibition History

Currents: Water in African Art, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 2016-ongoing (deinstalled March 7, 2019)

BIG/small, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-July 23, 2006

Duala Ceremonial Racing Canoe Model, Focus Gallery, April 26-July 31, 1985

Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual, Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C., March 17, 1982-July 10, 1983

Published References

National Museum of African Art. 2006. BIG/small Family Guide. Exhibition booklet. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.

Smithsonian Institution. Office of Folklife Programs and Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art. 1982. Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, p. 98, no. 103.

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Data Source

National Museum of African Art

Maker

Duala artist

Date

Late 19th century

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Westreich

Medium

Wood, paint

Dimensions

H x W x L: 49.5 x 33 x 256.5 cm (19 1/2 x 13 x 101 in.)

Type

Sculpture