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Toy sewing machine
Date: ca. 1983
Maker: Undetermined peoples
Medium: Wire
Dimensions: H x W x D: 16 x 26 x 12.5 cm (6 5/16 x 10 1/4 x 4 15/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Kenneth and Bonnie Brown
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa

Across Africa, toys are frequently made of wire and other recycled or found materials. Many have moving parts, and all demonstrate an extraordinary imagination. Their linear quality and lively sense of animation have influenced local artists and inspired multiple museum exhibitions. Entertaining toys in the form of sewing machines, bicyclists and figures paddling canoes are proving so popular in some areas that artists now devise easily packable versions for the tourist market.

On Exhibit: No
Object Number: S009.19