1983.77 Ceremonial cloth (tampan)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The characteristic features of Lampung textile ships are clearly depicted on this early monochromatic tampan from Kalianda. Hooked prows mark the ends of the boat; medallions decorate the hull; passengers seem to stand at attention on the deck, and the central pair is sheltered by an
Ceremonial cloth (pua) with shields aslant (simbang terabai)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Simbang Terabai, or Shields Aslant, motif is one of the first designs a young apprentice weaver creates. On a technical level, it is a study in learning to tie and form straight lines and negotiate curves, bends, and various shapes that make up complex elements and forms in the vast repertoire of pua kumbu designs.
Ceremonial cloth (pua) with monitor lizards slumbering on watchtowers (bandau bepadung)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Reptiles such as monitor lizards, crocodiles, pythons, and water serpents on Iban ritual textiles always suggest two things to the Iban eye. First, the beholder would perceive tua, or spirit familiars of warriors—guardian spirits who take the form of reptiles or certain other animals to help, protect, advise, and warn men through dream encounters when they go to war.
1985.B.20, Folding stand, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1750-1790
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Circular tables with tripod bases and tilting tops were extremely popular among wealthy Philadelphians during the last half of the 18th century. Numerous examples survive today.
Fred Darge (1900-1978)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Fred Darge immigrated to the United States in 1923 and trained at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York. After attending school in Chicago, he worked in commercial illustration until the onset of the Great Depression.
Octavio Medellín (1907-1999)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The son of an Otomi Indian mine worker, Octavio Medellín was born in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Throughout his boyhood, Mexico was suffering from the upheavals of revolution, and his family moved on several occasions. At one point his father was imprisoned by the general of the local revolutionary force but was eventually released when fighting waned. At age eleven, Medellín was able to enter sc
William Lewis Lester (1910-1991)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Born in Graham, Texas on August 20, 1910, William Lewis Lester came to Dallas in 1924. After graduating from high school in 1929, Lester studied art with Alexandre Hogue at his summer camp at Glen Rose, Texas, and with Thomas Stell at the Dallas Art Institute.