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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
Sculpture of a Pair of Antelopes
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
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Sculpture of a Pair of Antelopes

Artifact IDMO 63.483.1a-b
Object Type Sculpture
Date before 1962
Date Presented1962
Gifter
Place MadeNigeria, Africa
Medium Wood
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 5 in (31.8 cm x 12.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionPair of antelopes carved from blonde colored wood with a smooth polished surface with visible grain. The antelopes' necks are twisted to the side. Carved at the front hooves of one of the antelopes is a reclining fawn.
Historical NotePresident Kennedy received this pair of carved antelopes from Premier Samuel L. Akintola of the Western Region of Nigeria in April 1962. The country had achieved independence from Great Britain two years earlier.

In the early 1960s, Premier Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá of Western Nigeria bypassed traditional British colonial channels to engage in direct, autonomous diplomacy with the United States. His visit to the White House aligned perfectly with President John F. Kennedy’s progressive strategy for Africa, which prioritized supporting newly independent nations, welcoming political non-alignment with Europe, and countering Soviet Cold War influence through economic development aid. To solidify this new partnership and project Nigerian national sovereignty, Premier Akintola presented President Kennedy with this traditional sculpture of a pair of antelopes. Functioning as sophisticated diplomatic currency, the artwork served to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while extending a symbolic invitation for American corporate investment and USAID partnerships in Western Nigeria.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view