Indians of North America; Indians of North America -- Northwest Coast of North America; Indians of North America -- Rites and ceremonies; Indian dance -- North America; Indians of North America -- Folklore; Masks; Kwakiutl Indians; Kwakiutl art;...
This mask was created by contemporary Kwagiulth artist Buddy George. Called “Moon with Snakes” mask, it depicts a cosmological theme, as many Northwest Coast legends do. It embodies the moon, a celestial being that was, according to legend,...
Brooches; World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945 -- Women; World War, 1914-1918 -- Women
After the United States joined World War I, women with children serving in the military abroad relied upon each other for support and friendship. Late in 1917, these women formally formed the American War Mothers organization. Mothers throughout...
Indians of North America; Indians of North America -- Northwest Coast of North America; Indians of North America -- Folklore; Raven (Legendary character); Tricksters; Sculpture
Many contemporary Northwest Coast artists are keeping Northwest Coast folklore alive through their art. This raven sculpture was carved by Kwagiulth artist Harris Smith of Vancouver Island, British Columbia in 2000. Raven is a central character in...
World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945 -- Germany; Germany; Germany -- Politics and government -- 20th century; National socialism; Military uniforms; Germany. Luftwaffe; Germany. Luftwaffe -- Uniforms
After World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was only allowed a small military force. In 1933, the National Socialist German Workers Party came to power and the infamous Third Reich was born. Two years later, the Treaty...
World War, 1914-1918; ; World War, 1914-1918--Equipment and supplies; Military supplies; Military paraphernalia
“Dog Tags” had their beginnings during the Civil War, sometimes only as slips of paper with the soldier’s name written on them. By World War I, the stamped metal tag was worn around the neck. Soldiers relied on the shaving kit and soap box to...
Uncle Sam (Symbolic character); Wilson, Samuel, 1766-1854; Costume; World War 1914-1918; World War 1939-1941
Celebrate the United States! A young, dancing Uncle Sam entertained audiences about 1900 in this costume. The figure Uncle Sam would gain greater recognition as a symbol of the United States during World War I and World War II. Artist James...
This wire mesh sculpture, made by Brazilian artist Monica Kabvegu in the 1980s, depicts a child playing soccer. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Brazil, comparable to football and basketball in America. In fact, one of the most...
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,...
World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945 -- Germany; Germany; Germany -- Politics and government -- 20th century; National socialism; Handkerchiefs
In 1933, the National Socialist German Workers Party came to power and the infamous Third Reich was born. Two years later in 1935, the Treaty of Versailles, which Germany signed after World War I, was renounced and the rise of Adolph Hitler’s...
World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945 -- Germany; Germany; Germany -- Politics and government -- 20th century; National socialism; Military uniforms; Medals, badges, decorations, etc.
In 1933, the National Socialist German Workers Party came to power and the infamous Third Reich was born. Two years later in 1935, the Treaty of Versailles, which Germany signed after World War I, was renounced and the rise of Adolph Hitler’s...
Women volunteered time, knowledge and money to help civilian families in Allied countries during World War II. Whether sorting donated clothing, making bandages and clothing, or making toys for children. United States citizens substantially...
Between 1942 and 1945, during World War II, the U.S. federal government regulated purchases of goods like food and gas. War Ration Books were issued to everyone. Each stamp or coupon authorized the holder to purchase rationed goods in the...
Airplanes; Airplanes -- Models; Toys; Paper toys; 1940s; World War 1939-1945
General Mills cereals made these toy model airplane kits complete with instructions in 1944. When tin toys were so popular, why would the toy be paper? During World War II (1941-45 for the United States), kids as well as adults had to "make...
Military uniforms; Uniforms World War 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918 -- Women; United States. Navy -- Women -- History
During World War I, about 11,275 women served in the Naval Reserve. Female Yeoman, often called Yeomanettes, joined approximately 1500 women serving in the Navy Nurse Corps when the war ended in 1918. Yeomanettes served mostly as secretaries and...
Does this toy zeppelin remind you of the blimps that fly over football stadiums or other special events? Named after German aviation pioneer Ferdinand Zeppelin, these airships were state of the art air transportation from the early 1900s until...
Be a millionaire! Monopoly was invented on a table cloth in Atlantic City, NJ during the Great Depression. When the first games were sold by Parker Brothers in 1935 onwards, many Americans were enduring financial hardships. Foreclosures, bankruptcy...
In 1939, those who went to the New York World's Fair caught a glimpse of the future. There were exhibits that featured new things like electric washing machines, television, and refrigerators that made their own ice. There were many souvenirs like...
Toys; Ships; Ship models; Battleships; Missouri (Battleship : BB 63); World War, 1939-1945; V-J Day, 1945
The USS Missouri was the last battleship made by the United States during World War II. The “Mighty Mo” did battle duty in the Pacific in 1945, and served as the site of Japan’s formal surrender to the Allies on September 2, 1945, officially...
The city of St. Louis held a World’s Fair to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. Also known as the 1904 World’s Fair, the centennial event was really one year late since the United States purchased the Louisiana territory...
Islam; Islam -- Customs and practices; Rugs, Prayer
Can you guess how this rug is used? It's not for home decoration, but for prayer. Rugs, such as this, are an important part of a religion called Islam. Islam is one of the world's major religions. Muslims, followers of Islam, are found in over 120...
