Object Notes

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Called "Kissi pennies," the shape of these forged iron bars is meaningful: the flattened end represents a fish's tail, and the cross piece a "bird's wing," to help it circulate as currency. Blacksmiths who had specialized knowledge regarding the extraction of iron ore and the forging o

Called "Kissi pennies," the shape of these forged iron bars is meaningful: the flattened end represents a fish's tail, and the cross piece a "bird's wing," to help it circulate as currency. Blacksmiths who had specialized knowledge regarding the extraction of iron ore and the forging o

Called "Kissi pennies," the shape of these forged iron bars is meaningful: the flattened end represents a fish's tail, and the cross piece a "bird's wing," to help it circulate as currency. Blacksmiths who had specialized knowledge regarding the extraction of iron ore and the forging of implements made Kissi pennies.

Called "Kissi pennies," the shape of these forged iron bars is meaningful: the flattened end represents a fish's tail, and the cross piece a "bird's wing," to help it circulate as currency. Blacksmiths who had specialized knowledge regarding the extraction of iron ore and the forging of implements made Kis

Called "Kissi pennies," the shape of these forged iron bars is meaningful: the flattened end represents a fish's tail, and the cross piece a "bird's wing," to help it circulate as currency. Blacksmiths who had specialized knowledge regarding the extraction of iron ore and the forging of implements made Kissi pennies.