Japanese Belt Ornament
Belt ornaments such as this one are known as netsuke. Used to fasten belongings to a belt, the elaborately carved ornaments also served as symbols of the wearer’s class, wealth, and taste. Click the link to learn more.
Yup’ik Snow Goggles
These snow goggles were made by the Yup’ik people in the Kuskokwim River Valley of Alaska. Known as i-guak, the goggles are carved from a single piece of wood with only small slits to see through. Click the link for more information.
Mexican Calaveritas
Miniature skeleton figures, known as calaveritas, are often found on Day of the Dead ofrendas. Click the link to learn more.
Bassa Reliquary
This reliquary comes from the Bassa peoples in Liberia. For the Bassa, death marks the transition from being a member of society to existing as an ancestor. Click the link to learn more.
Indonesian Shadow Puppet
This mid-to late 20th century shadow puppet is currently on display in our Musical Narratives of the Southwest Pacific Rim exhibit. These puppets often represent characters in Hindu epics. Click the link to learn more.
Chinese Scroll Painting
This painting is in the Northern Song style, which, rather than depicting the subjects in three-dimensional detail, aims to show how the objects in the painting and in real life are alike in spirit. Click the link to learn more.