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King of Marsabit Elephant Sculpture
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
King of Marsabit Elephant Sculpture
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

King of Marsabit Elephant Sculpture

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.108911.a-b
Object Type Sculpture
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2014
Medium metal (bronze), stone (granite), adhesive, textile
DimensionsOverall (sculpture on base) H 12 1/2 in x W 18 1/8 in x D 9 1/2 in (31.8 cm x 46 cm x 24.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA miniature bronze sculpture of the elephant Ahmed, known as the "King of Marsabit" on a granite base. The sculpture is incredibly detailed, showing many wrinkles and has a realistic anatomical structure. The sculpture comes in two separate parts, the base (b.) and the sculpture (a.) itself.
Inscriptions and MarkingsText of plaque on top of base: AHMED KNOWN AS KING OF MARSABIT THE ELEPHANT HAS LONG TUSKS. THE FOUNDING FATHER OF THE NATION PRESIDENT JOMO KENYATTA, PLACED AHMED UNDER HIS PROTECTION BY PRESIDENTIAL DECREE, WATCHED BY TWO RANGERS 24 HRS. THE NAME AHMED WAS GIVEN BY THE LOCALS SINCE THE ELEPHANT WAS FRIENDLY TO PEOPLE. A LIFE SIZE REPLICA STANDS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM NRB. THE FIRST PRESIDENT BANNED ELEPHANT HUNTING IN 1973 AND TOTAL BAN OF ALL GAME IN 1977 Engraved on the elephant's back legs: Kimani ltd. ed. 4/20 2014 [copyright symbol]
Historical NoteReceived during President Barack Obama's official visit to Nairobi, Kenya in late July 2015.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library and Museum. The Obama Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of 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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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