2004.48.19, Chevaux vase, Rene Jules Lalique (designer), c. 1930
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
French glass designer René Jules Lalique's frosted gray vase depicts a bas-relief frieze of wild horses against a background of tall leafy growths on a flairing molded cylindrical form.
2008.38.1 Chihongo mask
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This bearded Chihongo mask has the lean features and sunken cheeks of a very old man. It is worn with an elaborate feather headdress and a net costume with a broad fiber skirt resembling that worn by Chokwe chiefs. In performances, the Chihongo mask dances with Pwo, his consort, an archetype of womanhood and fertility.
2006.57.2 Buffalo mask (sigma)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Carved in the form of a highly stylized buffalo, this mask is viewed simultaneously from the front and rear. The mask is worn diagonally on the head. Locals describe the projecting beaklike form as a tail.
2008.99.1 Egungun costume
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
An example of the paaka-type, this Egungun masquerade costume is composed of two wooden frames, one above the other, from which layers of appliqué velvet and sequined cotton panels are suspended.
Faience (ancient objects)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A glazed, colorful ceramic pottery called faience was invented in Mesopotamia ca. 4500 B.C.E., adopted by the ancient Egyptians, and produced until the mid-7th century C.E. Used for ancient objects such as decorating beads, amulets, figurines, and other small objects, it is distinguished from later European earthenware, which is known by the same name.
1969.S.39.a-b Gunpowder container
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This pear-shaped container is entirely decorated with incised vertical, horizontal, and semicircular ribs, alternating with delicate cross-hatching, that occur not only on the sides but under the round foot as well. It was once filled with black gunpowder used in a flintlock muzzle-loading musket—a type of firearm that was introduced through trade in the 17th century.
2013.38.2 Manilla
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Manillas are open, cast "brass" bracelets originally manufactured in Europe. They were introduced by foreign merchants and circulated in West Africa from the 15th to the early 20th century. Small manillas were melted and recast into larger sizes or recast into works of art.
2013.38.3 Manilla
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Manillas are open, cast "brass" bracelets originally manufactured in Europe. They were introduced by foreign merchants and circulated in West Africa from the 15th to the early 20th century. Small manillas were melted and recast into larger sizes or recast into works of art.
2013.38.4 Manilla
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Manillas are open, cast "brass" bracelets originally manufactured in Europe. They were introduced by foreign merchants and circulated in West Africa from the 15th to the early 20th century. Small manillas were melted and recast into larger sizes or recast into works of art.