Additional titles
Snake

Dated
Date of origin: unknown to KOLK 17

Geographical reference
Place of origin: Mali

Material / technique
Wood, carved, polychromed

Dimensions
Object dimension: 5 x 16 x 58 cm
Weight: 500 g

Acquisition note
Purchase Karl-Heinz Krieg 1992

Creditline
​​​​KOLK 17 Figurentheater & Museum, Lübeck

Inventory no.
TF008899

Keywords
Sogo bò | Coming forth of the masks and puppets Kalakasogo | Booth puppet Africa West Africa Animal

Object description
This object is probably a ‘booth puppet’ / kalakasogow, which are performed in the sogo bò theatre on an animal figure stage (kalaka kònò sogo). Malick Tiena Dramé suspects that the object could be a purely decorative element.
The snake is carved from a single piece of wood and is completely immobile. It is painted in a striking silver colour with red, green and black patterns. (21.10.2024, EF)

Object history
The figure was acquired by Karl-Heinz Krieg on one of his field research trips. Krieg sold it to Fritz Fey Jr. in January 1992 as part of a convolute. On the purchase list, the object is listed under item no. 34, SF no. 92/SF 1287 and as a snake. There is also a handwritten note on the object by K.-H. K., in which Adama Konate is recorded as the carver of the figure, as well as the place name Sirabougou and the year 1990. (21.10.2024, EF)