Diversity
Art
- The UCS has been working to transform its physical environment into a space where cultural diversity is reflected through art. We are working to provide celebration and education as we decorate our workspace.
Animal Masks
Animal masks (elephant, zebra, and giraffe) carved by Akamba artisans. The masks are painstakingly carved and painted from manhuhu wood found in Kenya.
Challah Cloth
Embroidered on the cloth, the word Shabbat is Hebrew for "Sabbath," a day of rest and worship in the Jewish religion. The cloth is woven in Bedouin style and is believed to be machine-woven. In Jewish homes, the challah cloth is used at the Sabbath meal to cover the bread. The traditional ritual would include a blessing during candle lighting. Next, wine would be blessed and tasted. Finally, the challah would be blessed and the bread eaten.
Donated by Martha Dennis Christiansen
Indonesian Mask
Property of Helen Vogel Brady
Samburu Mothering
Photograph of Samburu mother from Kenya. Three things which indicate that she is married are the loop earrings, the arm band above her left elbow, and the large basum "impomo" necklace made from palm-leaf fibers and colored with ochre. These are made by women and passed through generations to the bride on her wedding day. Photo by Robin Melavalin.
Donated by Amy L. Reynolds
Seggadah
This rug is very popular in the Arabic-Islamic society. It is woven to reflect distinct, traditional, Arabic and Islamic symbols. It comes in different designs and colors. The rug can be used many ways, including as a prayer mat, and as home or office decoration hung on walls or laid on the floor or on a table.
Donated by Fatima AL-Darmaki
Tapestry
Tapestry typical of the community of San Pedro de Cajas, which is located in the province of Tarma, Department of Junin, Peru. The tapestry is made with sheep wool and cotton, woven on a wood pedal weaving loom, using the techniques of felling, not spinning. The design represents an Andean landscape and abstract motifs of living in a typical Andean community.
Working Women Wreath
Working women wreath, using brightly-colored woven cotton fabrics from Guatemala. Representation of the varied tasks undertaken by women.