Currently not on view.
Made almost exclusively for and about Africans, the objects in the PEM collection reflect the artists' powers of observation and abilities to render distinct human features. Works first acquired in the early 1800 by members of the East India Marine Society demonstrate the strengths of sub-Saharan and West African artists working with ivory, leather, wood, resin and other indigenous materials. Carvings and ceremonial masks with leopard fur and shells speak to African relationships with Europeans and other visitors interested in trade. Early and significant works from coastal East and West Africa, an important body of Zulu arts and storytelling devices illuminate cultural traditions. PEM also has one of the world's finest collections of Ethiopian Christian art - 16th- to 20th-century icons and metalwork with roots in the late Antique and Byzantine traditions.
Images
Figural Group, 19th century
Staff of Cane, probably 19th century
Gift of Annie M. Lyman
Rifle, probably late 18th century
Gift of Colonel Timothy Pickering
West African Outlok
Museum Purchase
Vertical Light
Museum Purchase
Triptych, 17th century
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Langmuir
Moroccan or Tunisian Robe
Collected by the Colonial Dames National Society of Massachesetts
Figural Drum, 19th century
Gift of Captain William T. Julio
Collar, 19th century
Gift of Charles Goddard Weld
Powder Horn, probably late 19th century
Gift of Mary A. Barker and Harriet A. Barker
Powder Horn, 18th Century
Gift of William Richardson
Throne Chair
Thumb/Finger Piano
Donated by T.E. Paske and Hurst
Mask, 19th century
Gift of George A. Perkins
Figural Axe, mid 19th century
Gift of Edward Ropes
Icon, late 15th century-early 16th century
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Langmuir
Ijaw Mask
Donated by Dr. C.G. Weld
Knife, probably late 19th century
Gift of William C. Endicott
Knife and Sheath, probably late 19th century
Museum Purchase
Jar, probably late 19th century
Museum purchase
Mask from Zaire/Angola
Zulu Pot
Cross
Collected c. 1968
Wine Cup, 19th century
Gift of Mrs. Charles Loring
Drum, late 19th century
Gift of T. C. W. Nash
Stool, early 19th century
Gift of Henry Wheatland
Beer pot
Bark Cloth
Gift of the estate of Mary Brooks
Saddle Bag, mid 20th century
Gift of D. Carleton Gajdusek
Processional Cross, 17th century
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Langmuir
