Buddhist Kangling or Carved Bone Trumpet
The kangling carved bone trumpet is part of an ensemble of sacred instruments that emerged from the tantric crucible of India some fifteen hundred years ago.
Journal
Peoples, deities and the objects they made: notes on the cultures behind the collection.
Gan Bracelet Currency
To the Gan people, the python is the protector of the family and Gan culture, and a symbol of courage and fearlessness, historically worn by Gan warriors for…
Buddhist Triangular Storage Box
This silver storage box was created to hold items related to various tantric rituals and ceremonies, primarily executed by Buddhist monks trained in various esoteric practices.
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…
Ganesh or Ganesha
Of all Hindu deities, Ganesh, is one of the most revered. Ganesh has many roles – God of wisdom, commerce, and all the creative arts and sciences –…
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,…
Bug and Butterfly Specimens
Historically, insect collecting was widespread in the Victorian age where it dovetailed beautifully with the idea of presenting curiosity cabinets filled with a variety of natural wonders found…
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.
Gela Mask or Guere War Mask
This gela mask is known as The Ancient One, suggesting that the style has persisted for multiple generations. Many people commonly refer to this type of mask as…
Bwami Mask of the Songola People
The Bwami masks of the Songola tend to only be seen, handled or owned by the highest grades of the society.