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crossposted from H-AfrArts (h-afrarts@h-net.msu.edu)
From: K. Scott Rodolitz
<scottmhp@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of
Talibi Kaba, One of the original informants to Harley,
during his work in Liberia, and also a great expert on the
art of the peoples of Liberia.
"Baba Talibi" or "Ti" may best be remembered as the
towering (over six foot six) and gaunt African Art dealer,
always in robes, with a deep gravely booming voice.
Talibi's remarkable life included coming from one of the
aristocratic families in Kan Kan, Guinea, and choosing
instead to move to Liberia as a young man, against his
father's (the Marabou Omar Kaba's) wishes.
Once in Liberia, Talibi worked for years collecting pieces
for Harley that would end up in museums and important
collections. Talibi stayed in Liberia until the civil war,
when his youngest son, only four years old was murdered in
his arms along with a group of other Etnic Mandigos outside
of a mosque in Sanikwele North of Liberia. Talibi, escaped
by pretending to be dead and wandered in the bush for three
days, himself shot through the shoulder. He was finally
found by Red Cross workers who nursed him back to health.
After coming to the United States, he was an important
figure in the New York African Art Scene. During the early
1990's when he acted as Clan leader for most of the Kabas
here in New York City. During this time, Talibi provided
invaluable information for museum curators, art dealers and
collectors, as his knowledge of Liberian Art and culture
was nearly encyclopedic.
Almost a year ago, Talibi was diagnosed as having terminal
liver cancer, and he spent time in hospitals in the city.
As his disease worsened, he married his long time
companion, "Holly Kaba" whom he had met and lived with for
years at the Hotel Belclaire.
As the cancer spread, Holly took care of Talibi, and made
him comfortable. When I spoke with him for the last time,
about two weeks ago, he seemed peaceful, and told me "soon
I will go before Allah for judgement, and I am ready, and
not afraid." He died peacefully in his sleep early
Saturday morning, with a smile on his face. Funeral
preparations are underway, and he will be buried Tuesday.
He is survived by his wife Holly, Numerous children and
grandchildren in Africa, and his son Jeremiah Cole.
Baba, rest easy. We will miss you.
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