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African Mask
Title
African Mask.
Abstract/Description
This is a Songye mask. The Songye people live in Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a relatively small tribe with a central chief and many secret societies. This mask or kifewebe, as masks are called in the Songye language, is of a male figure. This is determined by the center crest on its head. It represents a spirit and bears striations which is one of the chief differentiators of Songye masks. A mask like this would have been used by the kifewebe society to ward off evil, avert...
Show moreThis is a Songye mask. The Songye people live in Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a relatively small tribe with a central chief and many secret societies. This mask or kifewebe, as masks are called in the Songye language, is of a male figure. This is determined by the center crest on its head. It represents a spirit and bears striations which is one of the chief differentiators of Songye masks. A mask like this would have been used by the kifewebe society to ward off evil, avert disaster and heal the sick. When worn in dances, it serves the dancer for its connotation of aggression to help the chief maintain order and control. This mask is believed to embody supernatural forces and the magic it carries is decided by the size of its crest. The white color of the striations symbolizes peace and purity while the red could mean any of danger, fire, blood, evil, courage or fortitude. Songye masks are easily identified by their striations and their shapes. The eyes, noses and mouths are carved in high relief. Often, the lips form star-shaped puckers to give the masks the impression of whistling or pouting.
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Identifier
BC004, 2014
Format
Image (JPEG2000)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC004
Carved Antler Bone
Title
Carved Antler Bone.
Abstract/Description
Carved antler bone, possibly Tequesta Indian, found at the Margate-Blount archaeological dig area.  It is a small piece of unidentified bone that has been intricately carved.  Prominent carvings include dual four leaf clover designs and a zoomorphic hook. Margate-Blount was discovered in 1959 by former Pompano Beach Mayor Bruce Blount, who found a wooden crypt filled with skeletons after engineers bulldozed the area he was leasing. Archaeologists began to study the site north of Northwest...
Show moreCarved antler bone, possibly Tequesta Indian, found at the Margate-Blount archaeological dig area.  It is a small piece of unidentified bone that has been intricately carved.  Prominent carvings include dual four leaf clover designs and a zoomorphic hook. Margate-Blount was discovered in 1959 by former Pompano Beach Mayor Bruce Blount, who found a wooden crypt filled with skeletons after engineers bulldozed the area he was leasing. Archaeologists began to study the site north of Northwest 72nd Street and west of University Drive. Subsequent digs were conducted through 2002. Items pulled over the years include ceramics, shells, antlers, carved animal bones, shark teeth and a shark vertebrae. It's one of about 500 Indian archaeological sites scattered everywhere from along the beach in Fort Lauderdale all the way out to Weston and the Everglades.
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Identifier
BC006, 1858
Format
Image (JPEG2000)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC006
Pre-Columbian Jaguar Vessel
Title
Pre-Columbian Jaguar Vessel.
Abstract/Description
This vessel is an example of a jaguar effigy vessel from the Nicoya culture from Costa Rica. It is appropriate to find an effigy vessel of a jaguar, displaying how the Costa Rican people worshipped this animal for its power and beauty. A perfect example of the strength of color use is seen on the head of the jaguar. The colors accentuate the most important aspects of the jaguar such as the big eyes, sharp teeth, and powerful muscles. Within the mouth of the jaguar there is a clay ball,...
Show moreThis vessel is an example of a jaguar effigy vessel from the Nicoya culture from Costa Rica. It is appropriate to find an effigy vessel of a jaguar, displaying how the Costa Rican people worshipped this animal for its power and beauty. A perfect example of the strength of color use is seen on the head of the jaguar. The colors accentuate the most important aspects of the jaguar such as the big eyes, sharp teeth, and powerful muscles. Within the mouth of the jaguar there is a clay ball, transforming this vessel into a rattle most probably used in ritualistic ceremonies. The mouth of the jaguar exemplifies the power of the animal because, the jaguar shows us his sharp teeth, and at the same time gives us a jovial grin. Around the jaguar's head there is a very vibrant pattern of smaller jaguar heads. These patterns are seen around the extremities as well, suggesting the symbolic importance of the revered jaguar. This large pear-shaped jar stands on hollow rattle tripod legs, two of which are modeled to represent a jaguar's hind legs. A third leg in the form of a tail is at the rear. Two short hollow forelegs loop out from the sides with paws resting on the hind legs.
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Identifier
BC008, 1842
Format
Image (JPEG2000)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC008