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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Sculpture of a Wasaramu Tribal Drummer
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Sculpture of a Wasaramu Tribal Drummer

Artifact IDMO 63.1820
Object Type Sculpture
Date before 1963
Date Presented7//15/63
Gifter
Place MadeTanganyika, Africa
Medium Wood
DimensionsOverall H 9 1/2 in x W 4 in x D 4 1/4 in (24.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionCarved ebony sculpture of a seated drummer with two drums between his legs and 4 bongo drums in front of him. A brass plate on the front of the sculpture is engraved: "To President John F. Kennedy from Mwalimu Julius Nyerere July 1963".
Historical NoteThis sculpture was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Julius K. Nyerere, President of Tanganyika (1962-64), during his state visit to the White House on July 15, 1963.

President Kennedy recognized and supported new African nations that were just beginning to gain independence from colonial rule. In doing so he hoped to thwart any Communist influence. However, some critics in Africa and the U.S. noted the inconsistency in Kennedy's advocacy of self-determination for Africa and the treatment of Black Americans at home.
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 StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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