In Ancient times, written numbers did not exist. The earliest counting device was the human hand and its fingers. Then, as larger quantities were counted, various natural items like pebbles and twigs were used to help count. Merchants who traded...
Indians of North America; Indians of North American -- Great Plains; Blackfoot indians; Rodeos; Cuffs (Clothing); Clothing and dress; 1910s
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, the popularity of rodeo champions and western movie stars transformed working cowboy clothing into western fashion. Many Native Americans began to adapt European style of dress to their own...
India; Jewelry -- East Indian; Bracelets; Anklets (Ornaments)
India has a very rich history in ornate clothing and jewelry. When dressed in formal attire for special occasions, women are often covered from head to toe in all types of jewelry, including headdresses, hair ornaments, earrings, pendants, belts,...
Cree Indians; Cree Indians -- Social life and customs; Woodland Indians; Indians of North America; Indians of North America -- Clothing; Gloves; Clothing and dress
During the 19th century, the reservation system and the close proximity of many tribes increased the influence of inter-tribal artistic designs and techniques. Traditional skills in hide work, beadwork, and quillwork became sources for income for...
India has a very rich history in ornate clothing and jewelry. When dressed in formal attire for special occasions, women are often covered from head to toe in all types of jewelry, including headdresses, hair ornaments, earrings, pendants, belts,...
Mirrors; China; China -- Social life and customs; China -- History -- Ming dynasty, 1368-1644
Over the past 3,000 years, mirrors have become more than just a grooming aid in the Chinese culture. Mirrors, through the years, were also used as tokens of love, political gifts, and burial items for the afterlife. They were usually owned by the...
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,...
Fire fighters; Fire extinction -- Equipment and supplies; Helmets
If you were fighting a fire, how would you protect yourself? Helmets like this one helped protect the wearer from falling objects- specially the back of the neck. Made before 1900, this style is made from leather. Today, some fire fighters continue...
Blass, Bill; Fort Wayne (Ind.); Indiana; Fashion designers; Clothing and dress; 20th century
Bill Blass was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1922. Intrigued by glamour, he went to New York and became a fashion designer whose creations would help define American style by blending chic with casual. He said he designed for women who liked...
This perfume by The Jennings Company was most likely named “Dorothy Vernon” after the title character in a popular 1902 novel by Charles Major. “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall” is a Romeo and Juliet style tale of a girl who lived in England...
Ear; Medical instruments and apparatus; Audiology -- Instruments; Hearing aids; 1900s
Before electronic hearing aids were invented, people used a variety of different kinds of “ear trumpets.” This one is made in what is described as the “London Dome” style and was used around the turn of the 20th century. It was painted...
Chaps continue to be essential work gear for cowboys. Leather chaps with large, loose side flaps are called "batwing" chaps and are the style most often seen at rodeos. While different regions of the country may have different styles, the...
This playhouse was built in the late 1920s for Evelyn Lilly, daughter of pharmaceutical businessman Eli Lilly. It was built in the Greek Revival style, was furnished with child-sized furniture, and even had electricity for an overhead light and a...
Kites; Japan; Japan -- Social life and customs; Insects in art; Kites -- Japan
It is believed that the first kites to arrive in Japan were brought by Buddhist missionaries around A. D. 700, during the Twang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Since then, kites have become a very important part of Japanese culture and a beautiful art form....
Dragnet emphasized “just the facts, ma’am” and strove to create realistic documentary style drama inspired by true stories with “the names changed to protect the innocent.” One of the most famous crime shows on TV, Dragnet featured Jack...
This never-worn dress from 1956 was originally for sale at Zukors (part of a West Coast chain of women's ready-to-wear specialty stores) in San Francisco. It is very representative of the style of the time. If you’ve ever watched popular 1950s TV...
Fortuny, Mariano, 1871-1949; Fashion designers; Clothing and dress
Mariano Fortuny's designs were surprisingly unlike the fashions of the 1910s and 1920s. They were simply constructed and unrestrictive, and made from hand dyed and printed or stenciled silks and velvets. This is a neo-Medieval style dress of two...
This riding toy is a miniature version of the real Oscar Mayer Weinermobile -- an oversized 27-foot long working vehicle that resembles a hot dog on a bun. The first Weinermobile was created in 1936 as a promotional tool for Oscar Mayer's...
Akha (Asian people); Thailand; Women, Akha -- Social life and customs; Headgear; Hats; Women's hats
Hats of this style are worn by married women of the U Lo Akha peoples in Thailand. Originally from Tibet, the Akha now live in the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar (Burma) and northern Thailand. Like much of Akha attire, it is highly embellished...
Bali (Indonesia : Province); Bali (Indonesia : Province)--Social life and customs. Indonesia; Indonesia--Social life and customs; Hair; Hairstyles
Balinese men once wore their hair in the elaborate style seen on this carving. Today, they typically wear their hair cut in a Western fashion, covered with a turban. This traditional hairstyle is still worn by Balinese girls for festive occasions....
