Ivory spoons from West Africa were imported into Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries. Spoons from West Africa in Renaissance Lisbon by Dr. Kate Lowe
The hostess with the mostess: these ladles honored women for their exceptional generosity and hospitality. Ceremonial Ladle (Dan peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
Masks like this represent a guardian spirit and allude to an idealized female beauty in Mende and Sherbro culture. Helmet Mask by Dr. Christa Clarke
Ivory saltcellars were objects created for trade: they were African made and intended for the Portuguese market. Lidded Saltcellar by Dr. Christa Clarke
Before motorized transport, male and female chiefs in Sierra Leone were transported in these elaborate hammocks. Cotton hammock (Vai peoples) by The British Museum
These enigmatic stone heads were found in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and perhaps predate European arrival to Africa. Stone Head (mahe yafei), Kisi peoples by The British Museum
The Mende initiation rite for young women is the only known masquerade tradition where the mask-wearers are female. Bundu / Sowei Helmet Mask (Mende peoples) by Dr. Peri Klemm, Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Christa Clarke