Kenyan Matatu
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- Title Kenyan Matatu
- Category Sculpture
- Medium Baked Clay
- Dimensions 4.75"h x 7"w x 4"d
- Year Completed Undated
- Description This piece illustrates a primary means of African transportation. Called matatus in Kenya because a trip once cost 3 (tatu) shillings, these privately owned minibuses ply the streets of all the country’s towns and cities. In addition to a driver, matatus have a tout who shouts out to attract passengers, collects fares, and announces stops. Although the vans are built for 8 passengers, touts will squeeze in up to 20 people, some who stand hunched over near the door. The roofs of matatus travelling to distant destinations are loaded with produce, live animals, and goods for sale. Although the writing on this matatu—Masai Mara National Park and Keekoroa Lodge—suggests the vehicle is headed to a tourist destination—the produce on top, the touts hanging on the exterior, and the many passengers identifies this as means of transportation for the masses. Purchased in Nairobi in 1998
- Artist Kenyan
- Credit John and Janet Yoder Collection
- Location Library Art Storage G7
- Accession Number 2024.0015
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Status
Available
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