Object Details
- 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
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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
- Dimensions
- 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
