These two grass mats are made of raffia, a durable material derived from palm tree leaves, which is a traditionally used in making many woven goods in Central Africa. Among others, the Kongo and Kuba cultures are known for making elaborately woven cloths and mats from raffia fibers. As shown in these mats, the Kongo and the Kuba are also known for dyeing palm fibers with … [Read more...] about African Grass Mats: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh
The Akua’ba (plural Akua’ma) is a famous type of sculpture made by the Asante cultures of the country of Ghana, in Western Coastal Africa. These figures are made in a very recognizable form, typically with a flattened round or oval head with a high forehead; heavy, curved eyebrows; almond-shaped, downcast eyes; a straight, pyramid-shaped nose; and a tiny mouth. They also have … [Read more...] about Akua’ba Figure: Researched, Conserved, and Restored by Leslie Dunaway
Howard Garrison was an early 20th-century businessman and colorful character native to Ozark, Missouri. Garrison is best-known in Ozark lore for being the proprietor of the Riverside Inn, a popular restaurant that served as a speakeasy and gambling den during the prohibition era—activities for which he served some jail time. Garrison was also known, however, for being an … [Read more...] about Landscape Paintings by Howard Garrison: Researched, Conserved, and Restored by Hannah Robinson
These two vessels, the Ceramic Bowl Reproduction with Geometric Design and the Ceramic Bowl Reproduction with Fish and Geometric Designs, are accurate reproductions of two vessels that were made by the ancient Native American cultures known as the Mimbres, a sub-culture of the Mogollon of the American Southwest. The Mimbres are well-known for their finely crafted, … [Read more...] about Reproductions of Mogollon-Mimbres Ceramic Vessels: Researched, Conserved, and Reconstructed by Macaylah Gant Hodge
This collection of metal artifacts was recovered from the grounds of Bonniebrook, the home estate of the illustrator, artist, and suffragette Rose O’Neill, who was also the creator of the Kewpie doll. While this collection consists of relatively mundane objects, identifying these objects, the brands and types of objects used, and the dates for when they were produced and used … [Read more...] about Common Metal Household Artifacts: Researched and Conserved by Renee Walker