By: Ashley Harper

Corn is an important part of Maya culture. In the Popol Vuh, Maya cosmology holds that the Gods created the first humans from an ear of corn. Another sign of the importance of corn is the multiple names it has in Mayan language. The tortilla, a dietary staple, also has several names that  change depending […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This gilt bronze statuette is a representation of the compassionate and venerated Guanyin, a popular figure in eastern Buddhism. The figure’s graceful stance and relaxed expression give the statue a sense of peace. In her hands, she holds a lotus bud while over her forehead, at the base of the high crown headdress, is a tiny […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This rug is an example of the beautiful geometric design, colors and skill of the Navajo weaver. Rugs and blankets like these have been prized by Europeans for many decades, especially in the late 1880’s. The market created by Europeans has helped sustain artisans as well as introduced new materials and techniques to their traditions. […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This bust is a life sized carving, in the round. You can see damaged areas have erased details that would have included a fuller, articulated chest and more developed arms.  It was found at the temple of 64 Yoginis in Jabalpur, in the state of Madhya Pradesh (central India). A Yogini can embody a range […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This sculpture displays a woman seated on stool with child. It is made of wood and iron. A child appears bent across the woman’s body, head and feet as well as resting in her arms. The woman’s stool is supported by eight figures, most likely her ancestors, around a central column.  She is, perhaps the Mother […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This wand was carved from a hippopotamus tusk and decorated with nine magical figures including a lion, frog, gazelle, vulture and a cat.  Each of these figures are seated on top of a hieroglyph. The lion head is seen at larger end of the tusk and a jackal head decorates the pointy end of the […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This textile of dyed and sewn silk is sometimes called a Lamba, a garment worn by men and women in Madagascar. The dyes used are believed to be aniline, an organic compound, which can produce the maroon, purple, green, cerise and gold stripes. This design features two stripes of unbleached natural color silk sewn alongside three […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This huipil or blouse is made of cotton and silk fibers. It consists of two pieces of material woven together. Most notable are the randa- elaborate shoulder bands. These designs portray animals and double headed eagles in colors like lavender, yellow, white, deep rose, green, purple silk and red cotton. This blouse is an example of […]

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By: Ashley Harper

This 19th century house post comes from the Tlingit culture of northwest Alaska. This house post  is an excellent example of the artistry and skill of the Tlingit people. It was made for the Kaagwaantaan clan or wolf clan. It’s iconography centers on the wolf and the bear. The house post is carved of wood […]

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By: Ashley Harper

Last night was a perfect combination of cool summer weather, eclectic sounds and belly dancing (of course). For pictures from the event, including belly dancing Quinn, click here! It was a well rounded evening when you add in the presence of non-for-profit groups like Alex’s Lemonade Stand and New Leash on Life. The latter is […]

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