World Cultures Gallery

This gallery focuses on Asian, African, and Oceanic decorative arts and cultural material ranging from ancient to early twentieth century.  Highlights from the Asian collection, which spans more than 2,500 years, include Japanese temple guardian figures from the 16th century, a rare ritual jade cup with poetic inscription, and a group of elaborately carved Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cups. Notable African items include a grouping of carved headrests, musical instruments, hand-woven baskets, and a Nigerian divination bowl. Oceanic cultures are represented by impressive Elema group dance masks, ornamented lime spatulas, and personal adornments such as combs and headdresses, among other objects from Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands.