These two wooden elephant figures were carved by artisans of the Kamba cultures of Kenya, Africa. Traditionally, Kamba woodworkers created simple, functional objects such as hand-carved large wooden spoons, stools, and stoppers for medicine horns. In the early 20th century, however, a Kamba man named Mutesya waMunge served in the military during World War I; he was stationed in … [Read more...] about Kamba Elephant Sculptures Researched, Conserved, and Reconstructed by Jenna Fallert
This tapestry textile was woven by one of the students of the Wissa Wassef school of Cairo and Harrania, Egypt. This school of handmade textiles was founded in the 1940s and 1950s by the architect Ramses Wissa Wassef, whose aim was to revive and revitalize traditional Egyptian crafts and handiwork by providing local, poor children with training in spinning sheep’s wool and … [Read more...] about Wissa Wassef School Textile with an Islamic Egyptian Village Scene: Researched and Conserved by Hanna Henroid
Maple Park Cemetery was founded as a rural cemetery, a style of cemetery that became very popular starting in the nineteenth century. Rural cemeteries have park-like, landscaped grounds where people may come and enjoy nature. Cemetery visitors are encouraged to picnic on the lawns, take long walks around the grounds, and enjoy the architecture and scenery. Rural cemeteries are … [Read more...] about Maple Park Cemetery Gravestones: Researched, Conserved, Reconstructed, and Reset by Samantha Jester
The Coushatta of the American Southeast preserves the cultural memories and the practice of basketry by passing down the knowledge of how to create baskets from generation to generation. The baskets are often created as gifts for loved ones on special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays. These baskets are considered to be family treasures because of the … [Read more...] about Traditional Native American Baskets: Researched and Conserved by Jessica Winslow
This collection of objects comes from the Bonniebrook estate, the home of Rose O’Neill. Although she is most widely known for having created the Kewpie doll, O’Neill was also a prominent artist, illustrator, actress, author, and suffragette. O’Neill was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Nebraska, and she was an artist prodigy as child, winning a newspaper art competition at … [Read more...] about Excavated Iron Home and Farm Implements: Researched and Conserved by Kevin Frey