Traditional Fijian woven mats serve as an important part of Fijian identity. Female artisans are taught to make the traditional woven mats from a young age, and finely woven mats are displayed as a source of pride in the household. Simple, practical versions of woven mats are laid over the floors of Fijian homes to serve as rugs, while more elaborate versions of the mats, … [Read more...] about Fijian Sleeping Mat: Researched and Conserved by Nicole Paden
In the first centuries after European contact, groups of Native Americans were forced westward by the Iroquois and by European immigrants into the Great Plains region. These previously agricultural peoples were enabled to survive in this region through the introduction of the European horse to North America, as this allowed them to travel and reach important resources more … [Read more...] about Great Plains Saddle Bag: Researched and Conserved by Brittaney London
Bògòlan, also known as bokolanfini, is a type of decorated cloth made by the Bamana peoples of Mali, in Western Africa. Traditional bògòlan is made by women artisans who spin and weave locally grown cotton to make long strips of cloth that are about five inches wide, and then sew the strips together into large panels. These panels are then dyed with local iron-rich mud … [Read more...] about African Mud Cloth: Researched and Conserved by Wendi Pyle-Fields
Tapa cloth is a type of traditional Oceanic fabric that is made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. The type of tapa cloth that is made in the Fijian Islands is specifically called masi, and this cloth is decorated using natural dyes and stencils to create intricate, meaningful patterns. High-quality masi may also be cooked to make the set the designs and make them … [Read more...] about Fijian Tapa Cloth: Researched and Conserved by Raegan Cash
This mask is a modest version of the Mukyeem Helmet mask that is made by the Kuba cultures of Central Africa. Most Mukyeem masks are large, elaborate structures that envelop the head, and they may be identified by the rich, symbolic materials used to make them. The masks typically incorporate leather and fur to represent powerful wild animals; elaborate and colorful beadwork … [Read more...] about Mukyeem Mask: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh