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…
Journal
Peoples, deities and the objects they made: notes on the cultures behind the collection.
Senufo Hornbill, Setien or Harvest Bird
The Senufo produce a rich variety of sculptures associated with the poro society. Among the most compelling of Senufo sculptures are large statues representing hornbills.
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…
Senufo Village Guardian Figure
Concealed in a small hut, access to this oracle figure is restricted to the most senior male and female members of the Senufo governing societies – the Poro…
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.
Senufo Yawiige Ox Amulet or Nokariga
The Senufo produce a rich variety of sculptures, mainly associated with the poro society. One type of Senofu yawiige was worn only by members of a secret society…