Artifact of the Month

This votive bowl from the Huichol culture was made in Jalisco, Mexico. Huichol shamans make these bowls as offerings to the gods so they will hear prayers for health, luck, and well-being. Click the link to learn more.

Zulu Love Letters are beaded messages given as symbols of love and affection. Click the link to learn more about the meaning of the different colors.

The Museum’s dugout canoe is a familiar object to long-time patrons, as it was on display for many years. Now comfortably resting in the Education room, the canoe continues to fascinate thousands of school children each year. Click the link to read more about MOA’s canoe.

This delightful little guy was a surprise slide. He was discovered in a box of old assorted slides while we were digitizing our archival collections in 2008. Click on the link to see his full picture.

This mid to late 19th century ceramic cup is from the Pima tribe in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. While the Pima are recognized more for their basketry than their ceramic work, this piece demonstrates the cultural importance of their functional pottery. Click the link to read more.

This candle holder from Mexico is used during the Days of the Dead. The skull imagery is typical of objects associated with the celebration. Click the link to read more.