The Mothership

Designed by

Clinton, George, American, born 1941

Larkin, Peter, American, born 1926

Fisher, Jules, American, born 1937

Used by

Parliament-Funkadelic, American, founded 1955

Medium

metal, plastic, glass

Dimensions

Overall with Weight: 120 × 250 × 113 in., 1500 lb. (304.8 × 635 × 287 cm, 680.4 kg)

Type

props (object genres)

Date

1990s

Description

"The Mothership" is the centerpiece stage prop used by Clinton and his multiple bands during their live concert performances. This object is a near-exact replica of the slightly larger Mothership that was used exclusively at the closing moments of concerts during the height of the band's popularity from 1976-1981. This replica prop was built from metal, plastic, and glass in the mid 1990s and used on the "Mothership Reconnection Tour".

Topic

African American

Art

Design

Funk (Music)

Musicians

Transportation

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Love to the planet

Object number

2011.83.1.1-.9

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture