Thumb pianos are most commonly known as mbira, a name that comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe. They use a resonating chamber, such as a wooden box, stiffened leather, or even a large gourd, to amplify their sound. They are playing by holding the […]
Aboriginal Australians have one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Their art, going back to ancient rock and cave paintings believed to have been made by ancestral spiritual beings, is an important part of their heritage. Dot painting has its roots in these […]
Headrests are used by many people around the world during sleep. This type, known as a barkin, is used by nomadic Somali and Aweer (Boni) people in southern Somalia and eastern Kenya. In Somali culture, headrests are used by both men and women. By elevating […]
The Bedouin are a nomadic people who live in the Middle East. This necklace is from Saudi Arabia, where the donor purchased it at a small marketplace outside the city of Jeddah. As seen here, silver is the preferred metal for Bedouin jewelry. Bedouin women […]
Basket weaving is an integral part of Cherokee culture with a tradition dating back almost 10,000 years. Baskets were historically used to harvest, store, and transport crops; catch fish; and even for games. They also served ceremonial purposes by protecting ritual tools and clothing while […]
