Pessare Dah and Lobi
Man’s Seat
Lobi, Mid-20th century
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Wood, 7 5/8 x 17 1/2 x 4 13/16 in. (19.4 x 44.5 x 12.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Phyllis K. and A. Harvey Schreter, Baltimore
Object Number
1996.125
The swelling cheeks and prominent jawlines of the male and female figures on this man's seat tell us that it was likely created by prominent Lobi furniture maker Pessare Dah. Dah was an artist of many talents. Although he is best known for his skill on the balafon - a xylophone-like instrument played across West Africa - he was also an accomplished sculptor. Over the course of his life, he created a range of wooden artworks for clients in and around the city of Tankoura.
Nichole Bridges, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Hand Held: Personal Arts from Africa," Sept. 25, 2011-Feb. 5, 2012.
Frederick John Lamp, "See the Music Hear the Dance: Rethinking African Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art." New York: Prestel, 2003, p.216, ill.
On View: Wurtzburger, Hallway
