MORE EVENTSMuseum Store
Featuring many one-of-a-kind crafts, household and decorative objects. Items found in our store are produced exclusively for the Museum by artisans and craftspeople and imported directly from Africa.
Your purchase at our store supports local African artisans and museum programs.
French car
The history of making figures from recycled materials began as children in West Africa found discarded cans and put their imagination and ingenuity to work, making their own toys. The art form has taken off as increasing numbers of people have seen and marveled at the details of these toys. You will be amazed when you discover the many functional parts and various recycled materials used to create each component (note the roll-up top and windows!).
This piece was inspired vintage French cars like the Citroen 2 Chevaux which was popular in Africa during the colonial period.
This particular piece was created by the workshop of Ladji Badiagara in Bamako, Mali.
