Objects - Putnici

Sarong

Singapore, 19th c.
EMZ-EX1670

Hat

Mali, mid-20th c.
EMZ-48266

Figure

Nicobar Islands, India. 19th c.
EMZ-EX795

Figures kareau were intended to guard families against illness, bad luck and other evil spirits. They were made by ritual specialists or healers (menluana) who communicated with the spirit world. The figure was set up outside a sick person’s house in order to scare or drive away the bad spirits thought to be causing the disease. When misfortune befell a household, the figure was deemed to have lost the potency and would be discarded and replaced by a new one. The discarded figures were collected as souvenirs by visiting sailors.

Porcelain vessel

China, 18th c.
EMZ-EX1904

Known as “ginger jars” in the West, these containers were often used for importing ginger. They became popular in the 18th century amid high demand for Chinese porcelain.

Chess set

China, 19th c.
EMZ-EX825

Between 1757 and 1842, the port of Guangzhou was the only Chinese port accessible to most foreign traders. The main staples of trade were tea, silk, and porcelain, though foreign traders also wanted to bring home art and souvenirs. Local craftsmen responded by creating items to suit European needs and tastes. Chess sets were popular, with most depicting members of the Chinese court, such as the one displayed, though some showed European rulers.

Buddha figure

Mjanmar, 19th c.
EMZ-EX786

Ganesha figure

West Bengal, India, 19th c.
EMZ-EX1856

Shiva figure

India, 19th c.
EMZ-EX1329

Vajra and bell

Nepal or Tibet, 19th c.
EMZ-EX1546, EMZ-EX1842

Buddhist ritual objects. They are often used together, and they represent qualities crucial for enlightenment.

Figure, decoration for a ship’s bow

Choiseul, Solomon Islands, 19th c.
EMZ-EX698

This figure was attached to the bow of a war canoe or boat. It represents a warrior spirit who watched out for danger.

Drum

Korhogo, Ivory Coast, 20th c.
EMZ-52174

Chordophone musical instrument yueqin

China, 19th c.
EMZ-2781

Candle holder

Kabylia, Algeria, 19th c.
EMZ-5EX30

Pair of Manchu platform shoes

China, 19th c.
EMZ-EX842AB

Snuff bottles

China, 19th c.
EMZ-EX1573, EMZ-EX1574

Consuming snuff became popular among the upper classes in China in the late 17th century. Snuff (fine tobacco powder) was kept in small bottles, which quickly became symbols of status. Today, they are highly valued by collectors and are also made and sold as souvenirs and gifts.