Sword Ornament in the form of a lion
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Asante, considered to be the most prolific makers of gold ornaments, have the Golden Stool as their royal symbol. According to oral tradition, in the early 17th century, this stool and a bell miraculously descended from the sky and landed on the lap of Osei Tutu, the first Asante king. Gold is the sun's earthly complement; the king, like the Golden Stool, represents the soul and vitality of the Asante nation.
Horse-and-rider figure (elesin Shango)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This exquisite sculpture depicts one of the most important imports—Equus caballus, the domestic horse. Introduced circa 1640-1532 BCE to ancient Egypt by western Asian conquerors, horses were initially used to draw chariots in military campaigns. Subsequently, horses were introduced to western Sudan (northern region of West Africa) via the Sahara Desert in about AD 1000 by Muslim Arab and Amazigh (also known as Berber) traders.
African Art and the Influences of Foreign Trade
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Arabs and Europeans came to Africa in search of trade, to spread their culture and the teachings of their religions, and to extend their territory and political power.
Side-blown horn
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Musical instruments, when not sounding the call to war, were important objects that announced a ruler's arrival and entertained him or her with pleasing sounds. This richly hued ivory horn was made for a Mende paramount chief of Sierra Leone. It may predate British colonization and the introduction of staffs with a silver knob bearing the British coat of arms.
The imagery carved on this horn is intriguing.
Northwest Passage
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Northwest Passage is a sea route through the Arctic Ocean that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its name comes from European explorers who sought a trade route to the north and west of North America.
Maya Eccentric Flint Blades
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
As a material, flint was valued by the Maya and other peoples of Mesoamerica for its ability to strike fire. The Maya associated flint with lightning and believed that where lightning struck, flint was formed. Flint seems to have been fairly accessible in the Maya area (southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador), but the finest quality is thought to have come from Belize.
The History (Provenance) of the Maya Eccentric Flints [1983.45.McD and 2009.26]
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The following account documents the possible history (provenance) of the Maya Eccentric Flints [1983.45.McD and 2009.26]. This account was originally noted in a letter from John Lunsford to Harry S. Parker and Steven A. Nash regarding the Peter Wray collection (dated March 23, 1983), and was later compiled by Carol Robbins, the former Ellen and Harry S. Parker III Curator of the Arts of Americas and the Pacific.
Standing female figure ("rhythm pounder")
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Art makes a dramatic appearance at the funerals of important elders of Poro, an age-graded society that teaches boys their social, political, and spiritual roles as adult males. Masquerade costumes with fiber or wooden headpieces and carved wooden figures depicting a male and a female appear during funeral celebrations. Small figures are displayed on the ground or near the ground near the corpse, which is wrapped in layers of splendid. locally woven cloths. These cloths are gifts of condolence from the villagers.
Art for the Afterlife
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Throughout Africa, in traditional societies and among many cosmopolitan inhabitants, the belief is held that death is but a transition to another stage in the cycle of life. The Yoruba proverb "Earth is a marketplace we visit; heaven [or the afterlife], home" underscores this notion. The dead may be reborn.