Additional titles
Crocodile

Dated
Date of origin: unknown to KOLK 17

Geographical reference
Place of origin: Mali

Material / technique
Wood, carved, polychromed

Dimensions
Object dimension: 24 x 43 x 196 cm
Weight: 7 kg
Puppet volume: 26 x 43 x 196 cm

Creditline
KOLK 17 Figurentheater & Museum, Lübeck

Inventory no.
TF008412

Keywords
Sogo bò | Coming forth of the masks and puppets Kalakasogo | Booth puppet West Africa 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). The expert Malick Dramé suspects that the object could be a purely decorative element.
The crocodile is made entirely of wood and has been carved out of the wood in a stylised manner. The wood was then painted or stained in a dark grey to black color. The animal's limbs and lower jaw are movable. (21.10.2024, EF)

Object history
Research in the archives and depot of KOLK 17 has so far yielded no results on the provenance or purchase of the object. It is possible, that there may be further documentation, e.g. that the figure was purchased from Fritz Fey Jr. in private ownership.
The crocodile was probably presented to Bernd Muhlack for appraisal and valuation on 24 March 2009. Due to inadequate data, it is unfortunately not possible to determine whether it is this crocodile exactly.
Until December 2017, it found a place in the beams of the permanent exhibition of KOLK 17 in St. Jürgen Gang, OG. (21.10.2024, EF)