Pick

African

  • Titles Pick (Descriptive)
  • Medium iron
  • Dimensions 3 1/4 x 3/8 x 3/8 in. (8.3 x 1 x 1 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Mortimer B. and Sue Fuller, 2006.148
  • Work Type pick
  • Classification Tools & Equipment

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Vertical iron pole with six iron currency objects attached at top; three objects are iron hoe-blade currencies, and three are possibly rattles, hoe-shaped but open in center and with an enclosed portion that could have held percussive elements Function: Currency staffs constitute a display of wealth; if it is Fulani, it would have been owned by settled Fulani rather than nomadic herders.
Ovoid vessel with dark brown patina has narrow, short neck with flared rim; shoulder of jar divided into triangular sections with raised ridges; each triangle has raised circle with cross inside. Bottom half of vessel has raised, curved lines descending below each triangle.
Face mask with rabbit features. Narrow vertical oval ears painted red with white interiors; protruding conical black eyes surrounded by concentric black rings with white pigment in-between; protruding open triangular mouth/snout, painted black, adorned with small incised triangles painted white and red. Oval perimeter of back of mask pierced with multiple holes to enable attachment of mask to dancer's head as well as attachment of fiber costume. This type of mask is worn by men during funeral or initiation ceremonies. Animal masks commemorate encounters that people have had with ancestors who appeared in the form of an animal.
Crescent blade with long handle