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1900.1.4

Sansa, comprising a rectangular box of light wood and eight cane keys.

1900.1.4

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Collection type
Object
Description
Sansa, comprising a rectangular box of light wood and eight cane keys.
Long description
Box shape, with a piece of cane for backrest and bridge. The bar is a length of creeper tied over each key. The back and front are attached to the sides by wooden pins and iron nails. Back, front and sides are ornamented with straight lines. Resonating body a closed box of soft wood with burnt ornament. 9 tongues of cane fastened down with cane lacing and bridged up with strips toward the ends.
Geographical reference
Nigeria
Africa > Western Africa > Nigeria
Benin
Cultural groups
Edo
Person
Field collector Unknown Collector
PRM source Cuthbert Edgar Peek
Other owner Stevens Auction Rooms
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1900
Date collected
1897
Acquisition information
Donated: 1900
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Material Cane Plant, Material Creeper Plant, Process Carpentered, Process Tied, Process Decorated, Process Pyroengraved Pokerwork
Dimensions
Length x Width x Height 297 x 114 x 74 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1900.1.4
Research and responses

This object is one of two sansas purchased by Sir Cuthbert Edgar Peek on 13th February 1900 at Stevens Auction Rooms (see 1900.1.5 for the other). The sale was advertised as a "Valuable Collection of Benin Bronzes, Curiosities &c....magnificent BRONZES from Benin, some of the finest ever offered, consisting of masks, plaques, two fine leopards' heads, armlets, bells, boxes, also finely carved ivory tusks, &c..." ("Sales by Auction", The Times, Saturday 10th February 1900). In the same month Peek donated the two objects to the Pitt Rivers Museum. It is possible he bought them on behalf of the Museum. [JMC 10/03/2023]

Associated publications
Apparently indexed but not listed as B9/25 in Philip J. C. Dark, An Illustrated Catalogue of Benin Art, Boston, MA: G. K. Hall, 1982. This object was found physically numbered. [DCF Court Team 14/2/2003]

Search terms: Music, Musical Instrument, Lamellophone

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