House of the Head
This Yoruba object from Nigeria is known as a house of the head, or ile ori. The Yoruba believe that the head is the seat of a life force that determines a person’s essential nature and destiny. Click the link to learn more.
Day of the Dead Sculptures
Papier-mâché sculpture is a popular Mexican folk art. Skeleton figures like these are especially sought out for the Day of the Dead. Click the link to learn more.
Kuba Mask
This Kuba mask, known as Mbwoom, is predominately made of carved wood with cowrie shell and bead embellishments. Click the link to learn more.
Spinning Top and Rope
This hand carved wooden top, known as a gasing, is from Sarawak, Malaysia. Click the link to learn about traditional competitions using the gasing.
Palm Spathe
The spathe is the woody part of a palm tree that surrounds the flower. Cultures in tropical areas use this part of the tree for a variety of purposes. Click the link to learn how this one was used in Papua New Guinea.
Dogon Ladder
The Dogon people of Mali create ladders by carving wedges into tree trunks that fork at the top. Click the link to learn more.