Cut-pile Shoowa velvet, also known as Kasai velvet or simply as Kuba cloth, is an artform produced cooperatively by men and women of the Kuba culture of Central Africa. The male weavers make the base cloth, and highly skilled female artists embroider and add plush designs to the surface. Each Shoowa velvet cloth has geometric designs that were likely inspired by basketry … [Read more...] about Kuba Shoowa Velvet: Researched and Conserved by Kate Sanford
This Suspension Hook was created by an artist of the Iatmul culture of the Sepik River region in Papa New Guinea. Suspension hooks are used by many different cultures of the Sepik River region, primarily to keep baskets of food suspended above the ground and away from moisture, insects, and rodents. In addition, the hooks may also be used to suspend anything that needs to be … [Read more...] about Iatmul Suspension Hook: Researched and Conserved by David Wright
The Baule culture of Côte D’Ivoire, in Western Coastal Africa, make two types of figural sculptures that look very similar, but that represent very different spirits. Both types of spirit figures are carved according to the ideals of beauty for the Baule, with smooth, shining skin, heavy muscular legs, shapely calves, and elaborately braided and styled hair. The first type … [Read more...] about Baule Spirit Figure: Researched and Conserved by David Wright
When the Mogollon cultures of the American Southwest region formed between 200 and 400 CE, their early ceramics were simple, with little to no design. Around 800 CE, the Mogollon began producing pottery with geometric patterns, likely as a result of trade with and influences from the neighboring Hisatsinom (also known as the Anasazi) culture, and by 900 CE, the subculture of … [Read more...] about Mimbres Black-on-White Painted Bowl: Researched and Conserved by Aimee Westrich
This shield was likely a part of ceremonial regalia created by the Songye of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The shield has been broken and repaired, illustrating that it was valued and preserved, but most other wear is the loss of pigment on the surface, suggesting that the shield was not used in battle. The central feature of the shield is a relief in the form of a … [Read more...] about Songye Ceremonial Shield with Kifwebe Mask: Researched and Conserved by Cory Powell