Object Details
- Label Text
- Women use locks to close the leather bags that contain their valuables. The lock mechanism, hidden within a cast-iron casing, is a system of springs that are released when the keys press them together. The locks, which are composed of various metals, can only be opened with the keys made specifically for them. The more complicated locks usually have three keys; some have as many as seven. Both locks and keys may be highly decorated with openwork designs and hammered engravings.
- Description
- Lock in two parts, designated (a) and (b). It has a rectangular shape with 2 cone shaped projections attached on either side and another at the bottom. Two loops on either side are attached at the bottom. The body of the lock has engraved motifs.
- 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
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Tuareg artist
- Date
- Early to mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase and gift of Mrs. Florence Selden in memory of Carl L. Selden
- Medium
- Iron, copper alloy
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 9.9 x 15.4 x 2.4 cm (3 7/8 x 6 1/16 x 15/16 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
