China; China -- History -- Han dynasty, 202 B.C.-220 A.D.; Lions; Lions in art; Sculpture
Chinese lions may not look much like actual lions from Africa, but they share many characteristics with mythical lions found in folklore traditions around the world. According to Chinese belief, lions chase away evil spirits and bring good luck,...
Made from wood, these animals represent a long-standing craft tradition. Woodworking exists in many forms, from nutcrackers, to Christmas candle pyramids, to smoking figures, to fairy tale figurines. Small wooden figures are created to represent...
According to Greek Mythology, the Trojan War was fought between Greece and Troy. The war started when the Trojan prince Paris abducted Helen, wife of Menelaus of Sparta. Surrendering, the Greek soldiers sailed away and left a wooden horse and one...
China; China -- History; China -- social life and customs; Folk dancing, Chinese; Lions; Dance; Costume; Headgear; Chinese New Year
According to Chinese belief, lions chase away evil spirits and bring good luck, most likely because of their size, strength and fierce nature. Chinese lions are depicted as very colorful and stylized. This mask is a smaller version of a full-sized...
Holidays -- Mexico; Mexico -- Social life and customs; All Souls' Day; Skeletons; Sculpture; Aztecs; Aztecs -- Religion; Aztecs -- Social life and customs
This skeleton, dressed in the clothing and accessories of an Aztec warrior, honors the roots of the Mexican celebration, El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This unique celebration grew from the blending of Aztec beliefs about death with...
Indians of North America; Cherokee Indians; Cherokee Indians -- Social life and customs; Baskets; Cherokee baskets; Implements, utensils, etc.
This traditional Cherokee winnowing basket is for food preparation and is usually included in a set with a sieve, or food sifter, and a tray. The winnowing basket was used to separate grains from their husks. The woman would toss the grains over...
Grasshoppers; Insects; Secernentea; Grasshoppers -- Malaysia
This giant grasshopper comes from Malaysia. It uses it’s size, about five inches for males, to scare away predators. Along with size, the Phasmid has many small spines on its legs and thorax to make it look even scarier. The small wings compared...
Physicians (General practice); Medical instruments and apparatus
A doctor’s portable medical bag contains basic medicines and tools for doing work away from a medical facility. This medical bag belonged to Dr. Haslap who practiced medicine from the turn of the century until around 1930. Its contents include...
Balances (Weighing instruments); Scientific apparatus and instruments; 1940s; Marian College (Indianapolis, Ind.); Indiana
This kind of scale is called an analytical balance. It was used in a laboratory to “weigh” objects (it actually measures the mass) and is very precise. The doors are there to keep away dust and air currents that may change the results of the...
Ribbons; Political collectibles; Campaign paraphernalia; Campaign insignia; Harrison, Benjamin, 1833-1901; 19th century; Elections -- United States -- History; Souvenirs (Keepsakes)
Benjamin Harrison ran for President in the 1888 election. The campaign gave away banners, buttons, ribbons and bandanas like this one to inspire voters to vote for them. In swing states Indiana and New York, these souvenirs helped them win the...
A container for sugar and one for cream make up this Depression Glass creamer set. The term "Depression Glass" refers to American-manufactured transparent glassware made between the 1920s through 1945, encompassing the years of the Great...
For women in the 1930s, a visit to the beauty parlor was a chance to get away from home, to socialize, and to hear the latest gossip. Beauty salons offered job and management opportunities for women. By 1938, there were an estimated 70,000 shops in...
Many cultures believe rattles can help frighten away evil spirits as well as entertain. Baby rattles may have developed as a result of this belief, not only as an entertainment toy for the baby, but also to provide protection. This silver rattle...
Pomo Indians; Pomo Indians--Social life and customs; Musical instruments; Indians of North America--Music; Indians of North America--California
Clap sticks are used to keep rhythm in most Central Californian Native American dances. The stick is hit against the hand, causing the two split sides to clap together. 4-8 men clap sticks simultaneously while singing. At a certain point in the...
Dolls; toys; Japan; Dolls -- Japan; Japan -- Social life and customs; International relations; Cultural relations
In 1927, children in the United States sent over 12,000 dolls, with voices that said mama," to Japanese school children as a gesture of friendship. Japan responded by sending Miss Shimane and her sisters as a thank you. First, a national...
Bathing suits; Clothing and dress; Popular cultures; Costume -- History -- 20th century; Nineteen sixties
Would you want to wear a paper swimsuit? The ultimate disposable in our throw-away society, paper clothing was all the rage in the late 1960s. Even though many users felt that the paper was itchy, the clothing never needing to be cleaned you simply...
Kites; China; China -- Social life and customs; China -- Folklore; Kites -- China
The first kites were probably flown in China more that 3,000 years ago. Like this kite, they were made by stretching silk over bamboo frames. Kites continue to be an integral part of Chinese culture today. Each year, people all over China celebrate...
The first kites were probably flown in China more than 3,000 years ago. Like this kite, they were made by stretching silk over bamboo frames. Each year, people all over China celebrate Kite Festivals on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese...
Miwok Indians; Miwok Indians--Social life and customs; Musical instruments; Indians of North America--Music; Indians of North America--California
Clap sticks are used to keep rhythm in most Central Californian Native American dances. The stick is hit against the hand, causing the two split sides to clap together. 4-8 men clap sticks simultaneously while singing. At a certain point in the...
The ultimate disposable in our throw-away society, the paper dress was all the rage in 1966-67. It didn't need to be cleaned; after a few wears, you simply threw it away & bought a new one. The first ones cost $1.25. Helen Griffith wore this...
