Portrait masks are made by woodcarvers of the Baule culture to represent a specific woman from the area who is considered important among the villagers. Although they are made in the image of a specific woman, their faces are often idealized and somewhat generalized. They always emphasize the woman’s physical beauty, usually by giving the mask heavy, lidded eyes that gaze … [Read more...] about African Masks: Researched by Leslie Dunaway
The Maasai and the Ndebele are African cultures living in the modern-day countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. While many continue to practice traditional ways of life, they are aware of the outside world. Today both of these cultures produce their traditional art, especially beadwork, both for their own cultural purposes as well as to sell in … [Read more...] about Maasai and Ndebele Art: Researched by Ngozi Ekeke
The Kina Shell Moka Breastplate is a type of body decoration that is worn primarily by men of the different highlands regions of Papua New Guinea. The breastplate may be worn on the neck, the chest, or in some regions, on the back. The breastplate consists of a kina shell -- a large piece of pearl oyster shell -- that is set into a backing composed of different substances such … [Read more...] about Kina Shell Moka Breastplate: Researched and Conserved by Naysa Adams
The Native peoples of the Great Plains consist of a variety of cultures who adopted a similar lifestyle that enabled them to survive in this relatively harsh region. These peoples based their subsistence upon the great bison herds, depending on them for food, clothing, and shelter; following these herds required the Great Plains peoples to adopt a nomadic existence with few … [Read more...] about Regalia of the Great Plains Nations: Researched by Macaylah Gant Hodge