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Montana Museum: Anonymous art (photo diary) [1]

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Date: 2025-02-26

Art is one of the defining characteristics of our species—Homo—and has been a part of human life for perhaps several million years. Throughout human existence, art works were not signed by the artists and as a result, “anonymous” is designated as the artists in many works displayed in today’s museums. Shown below are some works by anonymous which were displayed in the Montana Museum of Art and Culture on the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula.

Shown above is Japanese Samurai Armor. Lacquer, wood, leather, fiber, metal.

Another view of Japanese Samurai Armor

Detail from Japanese Samurai Armor

Detail from Japanese Samurai Armor

Shown above is Beaded Head Shrine or Basket made in the 20th century by an anonymous Yoruba artist in Nigeria; mixed media.

According to the Museum:

“The Yoruba of Nigeria believe a person’s head is a distinct spiritual being that is highly revered and respected. The ile ori, literally the ‘house of the head,’ contains a person’s spiritual essence and identity. This shrine refers to not just the visible outer head, but also the inner one representing a person’s journey and destiny in life. When the owner dies, the shrine is typically disassembled and the component cowrie shells and beads are scattered on the grave or divided among survivors.”

Another view of Beaded Head Shrine or Basket

Shown above is Bwami Society Figure with Outstretched Arm made by an anonymous Lega artist in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Shown above is Vessel with Abstract Pattern made by an anonymous artist; mixed media—wood and rope.

Shown above is Boli made about 1900 by an anonymous Bamana artist in Mali; mixed media.

According to the H. Rafael Chacón:

“The Bamana people of southwestern Mali make an enigmatic sculpture known as a boli. While it is unclear what kind of mammal this abstract represents, it is clear the the creature is invested with great therapeutic and protective powers for the community. A boli is typically commissioned and cared for by members of the male Komo (or Kono) secret association in their shrines. The Bamana are Mande-speakers who have a complex history dating back to the 13th century Kindgom of Mali. They are known for their metallurgy, mud cloths, and masquerades performed by four major societies.”

Shown above is Middle Sepik Mask made by an anonymous artist in Papua New Guinea; wood, bone, pigment.

Shown above is Food Hook made by an anonymous artist in Papua New Guinea; wood.

Shown above is Granary Door made by an anonymous Dogon artist in Mali; wood.

Another view of Granary Door

Shown above is Lyre Back Chair made in the 18th century by an anonymous French artist; wood, oil paint, gold leaf, silk.

Another view of Lyre Back Chair

Shown above is Carved Head probably made by a Mayan artist in Mexico; stone.

Shown above is Figure (Birthing Stone) by an anonymous Guatemalen or Mexican artist; stone.

Shown above is Seated Funerary Figure with Splayed Legs made about 250 CE by an anonymous Mexican-Nayarit artist; ceramic.

Shown above is Incense Burner in the Form of Pitao Cozobi (The Maize Deity) or Cocijo (The Rain/Lightning Deity) made about 700 CE by an anonymous Zapotec artist in Mexico; ceramic.

Shown above is Amphora made about 290-280 BCE by an anonymous Greek artist; terracotta.

Another view of Amphora

Another view of Amphora

Note: These photographs were taken on April 11, 2024.

More art exhibitions

Samurai Masks (Photo Diary)

Samurai Armor (Photo Diary)

Museums 101: Romanian Royal Artifacts (Photo Diary)

Ancient Greece: Ceramics at the Maryhill Museum (Photo Diary)

Museum of Arts and Culture: Flour Sacks (photo diary)

Cowlitz Museum: A collection of miniature ceramic shoes (museum exhibit)

Columbia Gorge Museum: Quilts (museum exhibit)

Missoula Art Museum: Contemporary folk animals (photo diary)

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