Journey Around the World: Europe

Holmes Museum Updated Hours

The Museum is open Fall and Spring semesters, Monday-Friday from 1:00-5:00 or by appointment. During winter break and during the summer, the museum will be open by appointment only. Admission is free but donations are accepted. If you would like to visit or schedule a tour please call 316-978-7068 or email holmes.museum@wichita.edu holmes.museum@wichita.edu.

Europe

Europe is a continent of many different cultures, with a long history steeped in myth and tradition. Its diversity is reflected by its people's style of dress, their food, drink, glassware, and art.

Black embroidered skull cap with colorful geometric designs.

Skull Cap

Mid 20th Century

Cotto

The Caucasus Mountains exist at the convergence of the continents of Europe and Asia and acts as a border between the two, although the exact location of the border within this area has been disputed. The area has a long history of habitation. It was the path by which people emigrated from Ancient Mesopotamia, and experienced repeated invasions from various groups including the Scythians, Huns, Mongols, and Turks. This has resulted in a blending of Middle Eastern and Western cultures, languages, and religions.

Donated by Marian Cook

1994.05.011 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Transparent dark and light blue beads are attached to a black string with gold accent beads.

Worry Beads

Greece

Glass, Fiber

Known in Greek as komboloi, worry beads do not necessarily have religious significance and can be used to pass time. Popular materials for worry beads include amber, coral, and glass.

On Loan

L.02.2008 Lowell D. Holmes Museum

Human riding horse figurine. Brown and black patterns on the figurine are fading.

Figurine

Cyprus

Mid 7th Century

BC Clay, Pigment

This ceramic features a figure riding a horse. Both the figure and horse are painted with brown and black patterns.

Donated by Camilla and John Haviland

1996.05.001a Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Pocket-shaped felt purse with a red back and ribbon strap. On the front is an applique of floral and heart-shaped designs.

Purse

Austria

Circa 1930

Felt, Cotton

This is a felt, pocket-shaped purse with a floral applique and heart-shaped design. Loaned with a traditional Austrian dirndl dress.

Donated by Francis Brown

1990.09.008e Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Small black lacquer bowl with interior gold. The exterior black has painted gold leaves, red apples, green grass design.

Bowl

Russia

20th Century

Wood, Lacquer

A small black lacquer bowl with a gold interior, there is a red and green apple design along the outer surface.

Donated by Marian Cook

1994.04.060 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Five painted eggs. Three of them are blue and white with ornate designs with a white attached ribbon. One has multi-colored tulips and a yellow ribbon. The last one is red with various colors painted on it.

Painted Eggs

Hungary

Mid to Late 20th Century

Wood, Paint

Also called pisanki, these wooden eggs are typically associated with Poland and Easter. A melding of Christianity and pagan tradition, the eggs symbolize fertility, new life, happiness, and good luck.

On Loan from Leah Gagne

Beregi Palinka branded brandy decanter bottle with peaches on it. Two small glasses with the same peach design.

Brandy Decanter with Glasses

Hungary

Glass, painted ceramic

This decanter would have held fruit brandy. The brandy, called palinka, is a popular drink in Eastern Europe from the Carpathian Mountains and comes in a variety of flavors, such as apricot, plum, pear, and cherry.

On loan from Leah Gagne