Figure of a Man Holding a Crocodile
Sapi
1 of 2
Object Label
Nothing is known for certain about the original use of stone carvings such as this one, since the area in which they were made suffered severe social and political disruption in the 1500s. The crocodile most likely represents an ancestor, and the figure some form of communication between the living and the ancestor. The forelegs of the crocodile merge with the arms of the man, suggesting a deep link between the two. The carver of this figure probably belonged to a group of Sapi artists who also made objects for export, such as the ivory cup in this case.
Caption
Sapi. Figure of a Man Holding a Crocodile, 15th century or earlier. Stone, 4 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (10.2 x 3.8 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by the Noah-Sadie K. Wachtel Foundation, Inc., 2000.93.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Figure of a Man Holding a Crocodile
Date
15th century or earlier
Geography
Place made: Sierra Leone
Medium
Stone
Classification
Dimensions
4 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (10.2 x 3.8 x 5.7 cm)
Credit Line
Purchased with funds given by the Noah-Sadie K. Wachtel Foundation, Inc.
Accession Number
2000.93.1
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at