Duke saw elements of jazz in the work of African artist Papa Ibra Tall, a Paris-trained Senegalese painter considered the best in his country. In 1966, Duke spent time with Papa Tall while staying in Dakar for the World Festival of Negro Arts. In his memoirs, Duke praised Papa Tall's art, writing: "It is impossible to miss the feeling of Old Africa in each and every stroke of his work." Papa Tall gave this oil-on-fiberboard painting, titled "The Warrior," to Duke out of friendship and mutual artistic admiration following their 1966 meeting in Dakar. The energy and sense of movement of this painting are evocative of Duke's own artistic sensibility, and reminiscent of the style he used in some of his own paintings. Papa Ibra Tall is still alive and active as an artist. His work has been featured in many travelling shows of both African and Senegalese work, and was recently featured in the 2013 Venice Biennale. He is widely considered a pioneer of contemporary African art. The painting is framed, and measures 56" X 42" unframed, and 62" x 50" framed.