Masks; Bamileke (African people); Bamileke (African people)--Rites and ceremonies; Cameroon
This mask represents the elephant and the leopard, royal symbols of the Bamileke king's power and wealth. According to the legend of the Bamileke people of the Western Grasslands of Cameroon, the king can transform himself into either of these...
Africa, East; Tanzania -- Social life and customs; Nyamwezi (African people); Rites and ceremonies -- Tanzania; Tanzania -- Religion; Sculpture; Ancestor worship
The religion of the Nyamwese peoples of East Africa, like many traditional African religions, focuses upon a creator God and the eternal spirits of deceased ancestors. One central practice involves saying special prayers and making offerings to...
Walker, C. J., Madam, 1867-1919; African Americans; African American businesspeople; Women capitalists and financiers; Women-owned business enterprises; Women millionaires; Businesswomen; Cosmetics industry; Millionaires; Indiana; Businesswomen --...
Sarah Breedlove Walker (1867-1919), better known as Madam C.J. Walker, was a central figure in the development of the African-American market for commercial beauty products. Shortly after the turn of the century, she developed a formula for hair...
Yoruba (African people); Yoruba (African people) -- Social life and customs; Twins; Mourning customs
Twins hold a special place among the Yoruba of Nigeria where they have the highest rate of twin births in the world. They are protected by the God of Twins, called Ibeji,” and are believed to have the power to bring good fortune, health and...
Makira and Ulawa (Solomon Islands); Bowls (Tableware)
Wooden food bowls of Ulawa (one of the Solomon Islands near Papua New Guinea) range from bowls this size to bowls 12 feet long. They are used during ceremonial feasts to serve taro and yam puddings, two of the main food staples of South Pacific...
Bowls; Egypt--Civilization--To 332 B.C.; Egypt--Social life and customs--To 332 B.C.; Egypt--Antiquities; Alabaster
Ancient Egyptians used a hard stone called alabaster to create many things, including vessels, sculptures, boxes, jewelry and to line tomb walls and the walls and ceilings of temples. Mined locally in Egypt, alabaster was dug out from open pits or...
China; Clothing and dress; China--History; Dragons in art; 20th century
A man of nobility or royalty in the Chinese court probably wore this winter robe at the beginning of the 20th century. Made of black silk, embroidered with gold thread and lined with the fur of ermine, the robe is decorated with dragons, a symbol...
Headgear; Ghana; Ghana--Social life and customs; Togo--Social life and customs; Helmets; 1960s
Helmets like this one, called ipiedza, are worn by hunters and warriors among peoples of northern Ghana and Togo in Western Africa during festivals associated with hunting and war. The cow horns represent the large animal's power and strength. Used...
