inventory of the joseph a. towles artifact collection

Inventory of theJoseph A. Towles Artifact Collection, 1949 - 1992

Avery Research CenterCollege of Charleston

125 Bull StreetCharleston, SC 29401 USA

http://avery.cofc.edu/archivesPhone: (843) 953-7609 | Fax: (843) 953-7607

http://avery.cofc.edu

http://www.cofc.edu

http://avery.cofc.edu/archives

Table of Contents

Descriptive Summary................................................................................................................ 3

Biographical Note...................................................................................................................... 3

Collection Overview...................................................................................................................5

Restrictions................................................................................................................................ 7

Subject Headings...................................................................................................................... 7

Administrative Information......................................................................................................... 8

Detailed Description of the Collection.......................................................................................9

1. Africa Region, 1951-1989..............................................................................................9

2. Asia Region, 1949-1992..............................................................................................26

3. Personal Materials, undated........................................................................................28

Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston

Inventory of the Joseph A. Towles Artifact Collection, 1949 - 1992

Descriptive SummaryTitle: Joseph A. Towles Artifact Collection,

Dates: 1949 - 1992

Creator: Towles, Joseph A.

Abstract: African American anthropologist Joseph Allen Towles (1937-1988) metBritish anthropologist Colin Macmillan Turnbull (1924-1994) in 1959.The two exchanged marriage vows in 1960 and they lived together in aninterracial, homosexual relationship until Towles' death in 1988. Towlesand Turnbull spent various periods of time in Africa, conducting fieldworkon the Mbuti, Mbo, and Ik peoples. Turnbull authored The Forest People,The Mountain People, The Human Cycle, and Tibet. Turnbull succeeding inpublishing Towles' work posthumously: Nkumbi Initiation and Asa: Mythof Origin of the Blood Brotherhood Among the Mbo of the Ituri Forest.Both Towles and Turnbull died from complications related to AIDS.

The Joseph A. Towles Artifact Collection contains artifacts documentingColin Turnbull and Joseph Towles' professional lives and research interests,including materials relating to the Bira, Mangbetu, Mbo, Mbuti, and Pendepeoples of Central Africa and the Dodoth, Ik, and Turkana peoples of EastAfrica, along with artifacts from other regions of Africa. The collectionalso reflects Turnbull's trips to India and contains artifacts acquired duringTowles' and Turnbull's Tourism as Pilgrimage project.

Extent: 170 linear feet(86 boxes)

Repository: Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston

Call Number: ART 1989.001

Language of Material: Material in English

Biographical Note

African American anthropologist Joseph Allen Towles was born in Senora, Virginia on August 17, 1937 toArcellius Towles (died 1959) and Lucy Blair (died 1991). Educated in Virginia, Joseph A. Towles graduatedhigh school in 1957 moved to New York City to pursue an acting and writing career. In 1959, Towles metEnglish anthropologist Colin Macmillan Turnbull, with whom he exchanged marriage vows in 1960; theylived together in an openly gay, interracial relationship until Towles' death.



Colin Macmillan Turnbull was born in November 24, 1924 in Harrow, England to Helen Dorothy WellesleyChapman (1894-1977) and John Rutherford Turnbull (1884-1975). Educated at Oxford University, he joinedthe Royal Navy in 1942 and finished his undergraduate degree in 1949. He then lived in India for two yearsin the ashram of female guru Sri Anandamayi Ma, and traveled to Africa in 1951, where he encounteredthe Mbuti people, pygmies living in the Ituri Forest in the Belgian Congo and Zaire (later, the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo). Turnbull lived in the camp of Patrick and Anne Eisner Putnam who resided amongthe Mbuti. After a brief stint as a gold miner in Canada, Turnbull resumed his study in anthropology at Oxfordin 1954, receiving his doctorate in 1964. He returned to the Congo in 1954 and 1957 to continue his research,and published The Forest People (1962), for which he received acclaim for his portrayal of the Mbuti asexemplars of the human capacity for goodness and love. In 1959, he became curator of African Ethnologyat the American Museum of Natural History and became a United States citizen in 1965. He resigned in1969, claiming museum discrimination against his partner Joseph Towles and other African Americans andbegan teaching at Hofstra University. He later accepted faculty appointments at the State University of NewYork, Vassar, Virginia Commonwealth University and George Washington University. He also was a visitinglecturer at the College of Charleston.

After working as an actor and model, Towles volunteered in the Anthropology Department at the AmericanMuseum of Natural History with Turnbull. From 1965-1967, he assisted with the creation of "Man in AfricaHall" (opened 1967), a permanent exhibit later called the "Hall of African Peoples." He also researched andconstructed the "Slavery in the New World" subsection of the museum. In 1963, he entered Pace College tostudy history and anthropology. Before finishing, he enrolled at Makarere University in Uganda in 1965 tostudy anthropology and sociology. He eventually graduated from Pace in 1968.

Turnbull and Towles were in Africa from 1965-1967, conducting fieldwork among the Ik of Northern Uganda.In 1970, they returned to the Congo where they conducted fieldwork on the Nkumbi circumcision initiationritual for boys and the Asa myth of origin among the Mbo of the Ituri forest. Towles received his Ph.D. fromMakerere University in 1979.

Turnbull's book on the Ik, The Mountain People (1972) received harsh criticism (including Towles') for itsportrayal of the starving people as a soulless community. In 1973, theater producer Peter Brook adaptedthe book to the stage and created The Ik, a dramatic production with Turnbull as the main character. From1974-1976, Towles and Turnbull assisted with the stage adaptation and traveled with the company.

The couple then devoted themselves to other projects. In 1979, they traveled the world studying theconcept of tourism as pilgrimage. Towles turned to biblical research and writing plays and novels; Turnbullstudied the prison system and the death penalty in the United States. In 1983, Turnbull published thesemi-autobiographical work The Human Cycle, which angered Towles for its omitted references to theirrelationship. Around the same time, Towles started exhibiting signs of mental illness. In 1983, he wasdiagnosed with syphilis, and in 1985 with HIV/AIDS.

On December 19, 1988, Towles died from AIDS. Turnbull staged a double funeral, with two caskets,one representing his own spirit. Following Towles' death, Turnbull spent much of his energy dedicated tomemorializing and drawing attention to his partner's legacy. He bequeathed his money and property to theUnited Negro College Fund and arranged for his and Towles' papers and possessions to be transferred tothe Avery Research Center. He moved to Samoa and wrote "Lover and Beloved," an unpublished accountof his relationship with Towles. He then moved to Bloomington, Indiana to help build the Tibetan CulturalCenter with the Dalai Lama's brother, Thubten Norbu, with whom he had published the book Tibet in 1968.He succeeded in publishing two of Towles' scholarly works in 1993 and moved to Dharamsala, India, wherewas ordained as a Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama and became known as Lobsong Rigdol. In 1994, he wasairlifted back to Virginia where he died of AIDS on July 28 and was buried next to Towles.



» Note: For more biographical information, see In the Arms of Africa: the Life of Colin M. Turnbull by RoyRichard Grinker (2000). Turnbull's major works, The Forest People (1962), The Mountain People (1972), andThe Human Cycle (1983) as well as Towles' Nkumbi Initiation (1993) and Asa: Myth of Origin of the BloodBrotherhood Among the Mbo of the Ituri Forest (1993) are available at the Avery Research Center as are manyof their publications in various periodicals.

Chronology of Research Trips1949-1951 Colin Turnbull studies in India with Sri Anandamayi Ma and Sri Aurobindo1951-1952 Turnbull travels to the Ituri forest, commencing his studies on the Mbuti people of the

Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire)1957-1958 Turnbull travels to the Ituri forest to conduct additional research1965-1966 Turnbull conducts fieldwork among the Ik of Uganda while Towles studies for an

anthropology degree at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda1970-1971 Turnbull conducts additional fieldwork in the Ituri forest1979 Turnbull and Towles conduct research for their Tourism as Pilgrimmage project, traveling

to East and Southeast Asia, India, Polynesia, East Africa, and the Middle East1985 Turnbull travels to Samoa1991-1992 Turnbull travels to Dharamsala, India

Collection Overview

This collection contains artifacts documenting Colin Turnbull and Joseph Towles' professional lives andresearch interests, divided into nine series by geographic origin. A large portion of the collection relates to theBira, Mangbetu, Mbo, Mbuti, and Pende peoples of Central Africa, mostly collected in the Ituri forest regionof present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire). Also well-represented are the Dodoth, Ik,and Turkana peoples of East Africa, mostly collected in northeastern Uganda. In addition to materials collectedfrom these specific peoples and regions, the collection contains artifacts from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, andEthiopia in East Africa; the North African countries of Egypt and Morocco; and Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal,and Mali in West Africa. An array of decorative and utilitarian objects are contained in the collection, such asmusical instruments, jewelry, paintings, ivory carvings, wooden carvings, masks, ritual and religious objects,recreational objects, weapons, furniture, cooking implements, and dishes. Also included is a large quantity ofbark cloth. The majority of artifacts have been given the inclusive date range of 1954-1989 to reflect ColinTurnbull's travels to the African continent.

The collection also reflects Turnbull's trips to India and Turnbull and Towles' Tourism as Pilgrimage research,in which the couple traveled to East and Southeast Asia, India, Polynesia, East Africa, and the Middle East.Additionally, there is a small portion of personal objects, such as the equipment Towles and Turnbull used ontheir trips and items from a shrine that Turnbull kept honoring Towles and Sri Anandamayi Ma.

Collection Arrangement

In cases where objects have multiple possible origins or sources that cross contemporary nationalboundaries, they have been cross-listed under multiple countries or regions, thus duplicate listings ofsome objects exist. The term "Unspecified Country" has been used to indicate objects that have beentraced to a general continent or region but not a specific country.

Please note that the object names and thumbnail images link to a new webpage, which displays theobject and additional information within the Lowcountry Digital Library.

1. Africa Region

1.1. Sub-Saharan Africa

1.1.1. Central Africa



1.1.1.1. Congo (Democratic Republic)

1.1.1.2. Central Africa (Unspecified Country)

1.1.2. East Africa

1.1.2.1. Ethiopia

1.1.2.2. Kenya

1.1.2.3. Rwanda

1.1.2.4. Tanzania

1.1.2.5. Uganda

1.1.2.6. East Africa (Unspecified Country)

1.1.3. West Africa

1.1.3.1. Côte d'Ivoire

1.1.3.2. Ghana

1.1.3.3. Mali

1.1.3.4. Senegal

1.1.3.5. West Africa (Unspecified Country)

1.1.4. Sub-Saharan Africa (Unspecified Country)

1.2. North Africa

1.2.1. Egypt

1.2.2. Morocco

1.2.3. North Africa (Unspecified Country)

1.3. Africa (Unspecified Region)

2. Asia Region

2.1. South Asia

2.1.1. India

2.1.2. Nepal

2.1.3. Thailand

2.2. East Asia

2.2.1. China

2.3. Polynesia

3. Personal Materials



Restrictions

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the Avery Research Center's archival holdings means that copyright or other informationabout restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The AveryResearch Center claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study,pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials,including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Subject Headings

Africa -- Social life and customs.

Africa, Central -- Social life and customs.

Africa, East -- Social life and customs.

Africa, North -- Social life and customs.

Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Social life and customs.

Africa, West -- Social life and customs.

Bira (African people) -- Material culture.

Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Social life and customs.

Dodoth (African people) -- Material culture.

Ik (African people) -- Material culture.

India -- Social life and customs.

Kenya -- Social life and customs.

Mangbetu (African people) -- Material culture.

Mbo (Congolese (Democratic Republic) people) -- Material culture.

Mbuti (African people) -- Material culture.

Morocco -- Social life and customs.

Pende (African people) -- Material culture.

Turkana (African people) -- Material culture.

Uganda -- Social life and customs.



Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Joseph A. Towles Artifact Collection, Avery Research Center, College ofCharleston, Charleston, SC, USA.

Processing Information

Processed by Sue Jacoby and Jessica Farrell, 2009

Encoded by Jessica Farrell and Amanda Ross, November 2010

Funding from the Council on Library and Information Resources supported the collection processingand encoding of this finding aid.

http://www.clir.org



Detailed Description of the Collection

1. Africa Region, 1951-1989

1.1. Sub-Saharan Africa

1.1.1. Central Africa

1.1.1.1. Congo (Democratic Republic)

Museum Item 1989.001.006a Rectangular wooden gong, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.006c Wooden slit gong, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.007a Patterned wooden comb, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.009 Bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.010 Kingele pallet bell, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.011 Toy garden hoe, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012a Metal bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012b Metal bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012c Elephant hair bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012d Elephant hair bracelet with charm, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012e Metal bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012f Metal bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.012g Metal bracelet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.014a-b Coiled basket, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.015a Nuchuba gameboard, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.019 Fossilized elephant tooth, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.020 Ivory ring, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.021a Decorated brass anklet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.021b Decorated brass anklet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.030 Wooden mask, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.031 Pipe, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.033a Domestic knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.033b Domestic knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.033c Domestic knife, circa 1951-1971

http://lowcountrydigital.library.cofc.edu/u?/ART,270


























Museum Item 1989.001.034a Bush knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.034b Bush knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.034c Bush knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.035 Dipping Spoon, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.036 Trumpet, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.037a Wooden pestle, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.037b Wooden pestle, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.037c Wooden pestle, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.038f1 Bark Cloth, 1951-1971

























































Museum Item 1989.001.044a Lukembi, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.044b Lukembi, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.044c Lukembi, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.044d Lukembi, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.044e Lukembi, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.045a Harp, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.045c Harp, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.046 Ivory blade, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.047 Ceremonial knife, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048a Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048b Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048d Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048e Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048f Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048g Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048h Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048i Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048j Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.048k Carved wooden figure, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.049a Pipe, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.049b Pipe, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.050 Bundle of arrows, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.051 Ivory hair pin, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.052 Bamboo chair piece, circa 1951-1971
































Museum Item 1989.001.081c Ritual stick, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.081e Ritual stick, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.091b Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.091c Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.091d Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.091e Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.091f Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.091g Wooden nkumbi stool, circa 1951-1953

Museum Item 1989.001.091h Wooden stool, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.104e Domestic knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104f Knife with wooden handle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104g Knife with wooden handle and sheath, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104h Knife with bone handle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104i Domestic knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104j Domestic knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.107c Palm wine gourd, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.110b Straw vegetable basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.110c Straw market basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.115a Wooden dog bell, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.115b Dog bell, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.116a1-2 Stick whistle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.116b Whistle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.116c Hunting whistle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.117a Antelope horn, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.117b Antelope horn, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.118a Winnowing basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.118b Winnowing basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.118c Winnowing basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.119a Fire stick, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.119b Fire stick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.119c Fire stick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.120a Mortar, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.120b Mortar, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.120c Mortar, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.120d Mortar, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.122b Castanets, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.124a Ivory head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.124b Ivory head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.124c Ivory head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.124d Ivory head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.124e Ivory head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.126a-b Ivory buttons, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.126c-f Ivory buttons, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.130b Pottery fragment, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.132a Wooden Ndaka mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.132b Wooden Ndaka mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.132c Wooden Ndaka mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.132d Wooden Ndaka mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.132e Wooden mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.133a Red ivory trumpet, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.133b Red ivory trumpet, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.134a-b Arrows, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.135a Skin bag, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.137 Wooden toy shield, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.138a-c Decorated wooden bowl with two lids, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.140 Fiddle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155a Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155b Wooden bow, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.155d Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155i Bow string, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.156 Metal object, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.157a Zither, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.157c Wooden flute, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.157d Goge, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.158a Hunting spear, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.158b Hunting spear, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.158c Hunting spear, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.159 Executioning sword, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.162b Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.162c Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163a Ivory drummer carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163b Ivory drummer carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163bb Ivory elephant carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163c Ivory figure, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163cc Ivory elephant carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163d Ivory woman figure, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163dd Ivory elephant carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ee Ivory crocodile carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163e-h Ivory candlesticks, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ff Ivory crocodile carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163gg Ivory lion carving, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163hh Ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163i Stone candlestick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ii Ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163jj Ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163j-k Ivory butter knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163kk Ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.163l Ivory salt spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ll Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163m Ivory knife rest, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163mm Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163n Ivory napkin ring, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163nn Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163o Ivory toothpicks and holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163oo Ivory shell, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163p Ivory toothpicks and holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163pp Bobblehead dog, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163qq Ivory flower vase, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163q-s Ivory trilogy figures, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163rr Ivory flower vase, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ss Ivory ornamental head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163t Ivory shoehorn, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163tt Ivory ornamental head, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163uu Ivory menu holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163vv Ivory menu holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163ww Ivory menu holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163xx Table ornament, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163yy Decorative elephant tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163zz Decorative elephant tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.165a Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.165b Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.165c Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.165d Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.182 Ituri Rainforest painting, 1961

1.1.1.2. Central Africa (Unspecified Country)

Museum Item 1989.001.015a Tin of dry beans for use with nuchuba game, circa 1951-1971































Museum Item 1989.001.016 Zande rubbing implement, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.045d Harp, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.155c Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155e Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155f Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155g Wooden bow, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.155h Wooden bow, 1954-1989

1.1.2. East Africa

1.1.2.1. Ethiopia

Museum Item 1989.001.128 Cross charm, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.170 Brass Menorah, 1954-1989

1.1.2.2. Kenya

Museum Item 1989.001.022c Decorated wooden container, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.022d Decorated wooden container, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.028a Soapstone ashtrays, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.039a Soapstone vase, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.039b Soapstone head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.039c Soapstone head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.040a Carved wooden head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.040b Carved wooden head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.048c Carved wooden figure, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.081a Fly wrist, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.098b Neck rest, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.098d Neck rest, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.098e Neck rest, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.099a Snuff holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.099b Snuff holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.099c Snuff holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.101a Beaded necklace, 1954-1989





























Museum Item 1989.001.102a Atubwa (wooden bowl), 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.102b Atubwa (wooden bowl), 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104a Small knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104b Ebony letter opener, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104c Circular knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.104d Knife with sheath, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.107a Gourd container, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.108 Ebony bowl, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.135b Skin bag, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.141c Candle holder, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.144a Stirring ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.144c Stirring ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.146a Stirring implement, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.146b Stirring implement, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.158d Hunting spear, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.160 Atubwa, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.164 Coiled beaded basket, 1954-1989

1.1.2.3. Rwanda

Museum Item 1989.001.105c Coiled basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.006b Wooden slit gong, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.006d1-2 Wooden drumsticks for use with slit gong, circa 1965-1966

1.1.2.4. Tanzania

Museum Item 1989.001.176a1-2 Chief's chair, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.176b1-2 Chief's chair, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.176c1-2 Chief's chair, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.176d1-2 Chief's chair, 1954-1989

1.1.2.5. Uganda

Museum Item 1989.001.032a Wooden camel carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032b Wooden crocodile carving, circa 1965-1966





























Museum Item 1989.001.032c Wooden antelope carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032d Wooden hippopotamus carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032e Wooden zebra carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032f Wooden lion carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032g Wooden buffalo carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032h Wooden giraffe carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032i Wooden boar carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032j Wooden boar carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032k Wooden buffalo carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032l Wooden rhinoceros carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032m Water buffalo, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032n Wooden leopard carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.032o Wooden rhinoceros carving, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.041a Carved wooden head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.041b Carved wooden head, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.042 Carved wooden figure, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.045b Harp, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.087 Straw trivet, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.092 Small wooden pot, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.093a Tuyere (kiln part), circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.093b Bellows, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.094a Raffia basket, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.094b Raffia basket, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.094c Raffia basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.095a-b Decorated wooden bowl, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.096 Wooden female figure, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.097 Ebony ashtray, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.098a Neck rest, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.098c Neck rest, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.100 Bottle cork, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.101b Beaded necklace, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103a Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103b Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103c Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103d Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103e Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103f Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103g Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103h Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103i Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103j Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103k Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103l Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103m Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103n Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103o Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103p Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103q Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103r Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.103s Wooden spoon, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.106a Wooden stool, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.106b Wooden stool, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.106c Wooden stool, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.109a Hide place mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.109b Hide place mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.109c Hide place mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.109d Hide place mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.109e Hide place mat, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.109f Hide place mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.110a Straw basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.111 Ostrich egg, 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.127 Drinking vessel, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.142a Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142b Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142c Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142d Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142e Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142f Bark picture, 1970

Museum Item 1989.001.142g Bark picture, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143a Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143b Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143c Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143d Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143e Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143f Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143g Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143h Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143i Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143j Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143k Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143l Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143m Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143n Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.143o Wooden ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.144a Stirring ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.145a Wooden fork, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.145b Wooden fork, 1954-1989
































Museum Item 1989.001.146a Stirring implement, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.146b Stirring implement, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.154a Walking stick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.154b Walking stick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.154c Walking stick, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.154d Walking stick, 1954-1989


Museum Item 1989.001.157b Wooden drum, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.157e Lyre, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.162a1 Raffia mat, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.165e Raffia mat, 1954-1989

1.1.2.6. East Africa (Unspecified Country)

Museum Item 1989.001.017 Unidentified wooden object, circa 1951-1971

Museum Item 1989.001.023 Porcupine Quill, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.039d Soapstone Bowl, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.091a Wooden stool, circa 1965-1966

Museum Item 1989.001.105a Coiled grass basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.105b Coiled grass basket, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.107b Gourd bowl, 1954-1989


1.1.3. West Africa

1.1.3.1. Côte d'Ivoire

Museum Item 1989.001.163ll Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163mm Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, 1954-1989

1.1.3.2. Ghana

Museum Item 1989.001.125a Brass weight, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.125b Brass weight, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.168 Fertility doll, 1954-1989

1.1.3.3. Mali



























Museum Item 1989.001.024 Shawl pin, circa 1979

1.1.3.4. Senegal

Museum Item 1989.001.131 Cowrie shell necklace, 1954-1989

1.1.3.5. West Africa (Unspecified Country)

Museum Item 1989.001.043 Stone ashtray, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.123a Fetish figure, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.123b Fetish figure, 1954-1989

1.1.4. Sub-Saharan Africa (Unspecified Country)

Museum Item 1989.001.001 Ebony elephant carving, undated




1.2. North Africa

1.2.1. Egypt

Museum Item 1989.001.122a Sistrum, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.130a Pottery fragment, 1954-1989

1.2.2. Morocco

Museum Item 1989.001.027 Wooden object, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.075 Copper kettle, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.076 Brass bucket, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.077a Copper bowl, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.077b Copper bucket, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.078a Kettle, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.078b1-2 Brass Kettle, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.079a-b Brass teapot with tray, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.147 Slave shackles, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.148 Rock, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.149a Brass bowl, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.149b Brass bowl, 1954-1989


























Museum Item 1989.001.149c Soap dish, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.149d Brass tray, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.150 Dagger, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.151 Charm, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.153 Brass object, 1954-1989

1.2.3. North Africa (Unspecified Country)

Museum Item 1989.001.063 Wooden bust, circa 1979

Museum Item 1989.001.129 Metal ashtray, 1954-1989

1.3. Africa (Unspecified Region)

Museum Item 1989.001.006d3

Bone drumstick for use with slit gong, circa 1951-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.006d4

Bone drumstick with leather covering for use with slit gong, circa 1951-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.008a

Small ritual staff, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.008b

Double-headed metal staff, undated


Iron anklet, undated



Museum Item 1989.001.013c Iron anklet, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.013d


Museum Item 1989.001.013e


Museum Item 1989.001.013f Iron anklet, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.013g


Museum Item 1989.001.013h



Miniature spear, undated


Wooden spear, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.026 Water bowl, undated


























Pestle, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.048l Carved wooden figure, undated


Ritual stick, undated


Ritual stick, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.081f Ritual stick, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.083 Wooden mask, undated


Clay pot, undated


Wooden container, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.085 Metal blade, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.086a-b

Straw basket, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.088 Pipe fragment, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.089 Metal object, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.136 Braided belt, 1954-1989


Wooden female figure, 1954-1989


Wooden female figure, 1954-1989


Wooden human carving, 1954-1989


Wood elephant carving, 1954-1989


Stirring ladle, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163aa

Ivory tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163aaa


Museum Item 1989.001.163bbb


Museum Item 1989.001.163ccc


























Museum Item 1989.001.163u

Animal tooth, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163v Animal tooth, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163w

Boar tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163x Boar tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163y Boar tusk, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.163z Boar tusk, 1954-1989


Framed batik, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166aa

Acrylic painting, 1954-1989


Framed batik, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166bb

Oil painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166c Oil painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166cc

Oil painting, 1954-1989


Watercolor painting, 1954-1989


Watercolor painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166f Watercolor painting, 1954-1989


Unframed batik, 1954-1989


Unframed batik, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166i Unframed batik, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166k Watercolor painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166l Painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166m


Museum Item 1989.001.166n


Museum Item 1989.001.166o



























Museum Item 1989.001.166p


Museum Item 1989.001.166q


Museum Item 1989.001.166r Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166t Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166u


Museum Item 1989.001.166v Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166w


Museum Item 1989.001.166x Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166y Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.166z Acrylic painting, 1954-1989

2. Asia Region, 1949-1992

2.1. South Asia

2.1.1. India

Museum Item 1989.001.053a Raffia handbag, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.053b Raffia handbag, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.054 Snake charmer's pipe, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.055 Pipe, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.056 Brass tops, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.057 Charm, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.058a Brass Krishna statue, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.058b Wooden Krishna statue, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.058c Brass Krishna statue, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.059a Sistra, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.059b Sistra, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.059c Cymbals, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.060a Donkey bell, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.060b Puja bell, undated



























Museum Item 1989.001.061a Brass bowl, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.061b Brass bowl, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.061c Metal container, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.061d Brass container, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.062a Wooden Radha statue, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.062b Brass Radha statue, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.064 Wooden carving, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.065a Siva Lingam, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.065b Siva Lingam, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.066a Stone animal sculpture, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.066b Stone Ganesh sculpture, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.067a Butter lamp, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.067b Butter lamp, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.067c Butter lamp, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.069 Brass liquid sprinkler with intricate support, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.070 Incense burner, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.071 Brass spoon, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.072a Metal figure, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.072b Metal figure, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.073 Brass wick holder, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.074 Brass figure, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.166j Framed image of Sri Anandamayi Ma, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172a Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172b Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172c Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172d Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172e Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172f Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.179f Tourism and Pilgrimage Items, 1954-1989
































2.1.2. Nepal

Museum Item 1989.001.113a-d Gurkha knife, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.114 Gurkha knife sheath, 1954-1989

2.1.3. Thailand

Museum Item 1989.001.172a Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172b Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172c Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172d Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172e Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.172f Silk wall hanging, 1954-1989

2.2. East Asia

2.2.1. China

Museum Item 1989.001.112a-b Wooden teapot, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.152 Chinese coin, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.171a Chinese wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.171b Chinese wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.171c Chinese wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.171d Chinese wall hanging, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.177a Copper horn, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.177b Wooden horn, 1954-1989

2.3. Polynesia

Museum Item 1989.001.090 Tapa mat, circa 1985

Museum Item 1989.001.166s Copper engraving, 1785

3. Personal Materials, undated


Plastic and metal hair comb, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.007c

Fish-shaped comb, undated


Wooden comb, undated

























Decorated wooden comb, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.007f

Wooden comb, undated


Wooden vase, undated


Wooden pitcher, undated

Museum Item 1989.001.029

Leather bag, undated


Bell, undated


Bell & Howell tape recorder, undated


Uher tape recorder, 1972


Necklace with charms, 1954-1989


Smith & Corona typewriter, 1960s


Hermes Rocket travet typewriter, 1954-1989


Buddha statue, 1954-1989


Buddha statue, 1954-1989


Wooden Buddha statue, 1954-1989


Water pitcher, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.173a-d

Shrine artifacts, 1954-1989


Tassle, 1954-1989


Brass bell, 1954-1989


Wooden box, 1954-1989


Wooden stand, 1954-1989























Museum Item 1989.001.173i-j

Incense burner, 1954-1989


Desk set, 1954-1989


35mm Camera, 1965


Cymbals, 1954-1989


Strand of beads, 1954-1989


Siva statue, 1954-1989


Copper teapot, 1954-1989


Iron rings, 1954-1989

Museum Item 1989.001.179g1-2

Oil lamps, 1954-1989


Miscellaneous objects, 1954-1989


Cooking pot, 1954-1989


Cowry shells, 1954-1989


Necklace, 1954-1989


Lion ring, 1954-1989


Metal pin, 1954-1989


Coaster, 1954-1989


Double-sided spoon, 1954-1989


Typewriter case, circa 1951-1989



















inventory of the joseph a. towles artifact collection

Documents