The hyacinth macaw is native to rainforest regions of Bolivia, Brazil, and perhaps parts of Paraguay. This bird is the largest of the parrot species, and feeds on fruits, seeds and nuts. Its massive beak can crack open even the hardest shells. This...
Rarely venturing far from the trees, the Eastern Gray Squirrel can be spotted in areas of hardwood forests containing nut trees such as Oak and Hickory. This squirrel feeds on a wide variety of seeds, nuts, fruits and even bark and fungi. The gray...
Italy; Butter molds; Italy -- Social life and customs; Implements, utensils, etc.;
Early butter molds were shaped like paddles and had a decorative carving. Butter molds and stamps decorated the butter before being served at home or sold at the market. Most molds were made in all the prosperous dairying regions of northern...
Butter molds; Switzerland -- Social life and customs; Implements, utensils, etc.;
Early butter molds were shaped like paddles with a decorative carving and used to imprint the design on a mound of butter. Box-like butter molds decorated the top surface as well as the sides. Butter molds and stamps decorated the butter before...
The Eastern Cottontail is a small rabbit that can be found in most of the eastern United States. This rabbit has a brown and gray speckled coat that is lighter on it chest, with the characteristic large ears and fluffy white tail. The cottontail is...
Often called “putting food up,” many American households stored fresh meats, vegetables and fruits in glass jars for later use. This 1920s Conservo canner allowed more food to be finished at once saving one from additional time in a steaming...
Yams; Masks; Papua New Guinea; Papua New Guinea - social lfie and customs; Abelam (peoples); Abelam (peoples) - social lfie and customs
Yams are an important food source for many indigenous tribes of Papua New Guinea. Men cultivate them and take great care and pride in creating the largest yams. The Abelam peoples hold elaborate yam harvest ceremonies and festivals, during which...
Rock Ptarmigans are denizens of the arctic tundra that depend on camouflage to survive. During the winter months the plumage of these birds is white with only the tail feathers remaining dark. These birds feed on a variety of leaves, buds seeds and...
The use of beads to count prayers may have been started by Indian Hindus dating back to the sixth century B.C. Prayer beads continue to be very important in the lives of people who practice Hindu religion. Prayers are repeated along with the names...
Calabashes, or gourds, are the fruits of several varieties of vines. Some are planted, while others grow wild. The many different sizes and distinct shapes of calabash lend themselves to specific use. Many African cultures carve and decorate gourds...
