The Healing Powers of Amber
The healing powers of amber are well known. It has been used as a medicament, mixed with honey and oil to aid in arthritis and other illnesses; and…
Stories
Ashtamangala or Eight Auspicious Symbols
One important group consists of eight symbols called the Ashtamangala, the Eight Symbols of Good Fortune, or the Eight Auspicious Symbols. These eight symbols are among the most…
Djenne Bronze Ring with Horse & Rider
Djenne retained a reputation as an artistic center producing meaningful adornment and ritual objects for its inhabitants and those of surrounding areas.
Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science. She is considered the goddess of wisdom and learning, and the companion of Brahma, the creator of…
Quan Yin or Guanyin
Quan Yin or Guanyin is spelled with the Chinese characters of perceive, world, and sound, implying that she is the perceiver of all the sounds or outcries of…
Azande Medicine Pots
The Azande medicine man is considered a magician. One Azande belief is that vital force, the energy found in people, animals, trees, plants and inanimate objects, is neutral,…
Bronze Foo Dog Incense Burner
The representation of the Foo Dog in this incense burner is typical of how the lion was viewed in pre-modern China. The animal was believed to have powerful…
Dogon Kneeling Couple Bracelet or Armband
Dogon believe a single creator called Amma established four sets of beings called Nommo, each embodying male and female traits.
Gongshi, Spirit Stone or Scholar’s Rock
In China, the pure beauty of nature has been treasured for centuries, and this is most evident in the appreciation and collecting of highly unusual rocks called Gongshi.
Bamana Boli African Fetish
Boli are used by multiple Bamana (Bambara) secret initiation associations to help accomplish specific goals delineated by priests, elders and members.