{
    "title": {
        "media": {
          "url": "/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201121.png",
          "caption": "Songye-Style Anthropomorphic Power Figure",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Jackson State University African Art Collection Timeline",
          "text": "A digitized collection to aid students and researchers in studying the Jackson State Collection"
        }
    },
    "events": [
      {
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_LJ194901.png",
          "caption": "Bamana Ci Wara-Style Antelope Headdress",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll001",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bamana Ci Wara-Style Antelope Headdress",
          "text": "This Bamana-style Ci Wara headdress presents an abstracted antelope with sweeping horns, an arched openwork body, and a refined linear silhouette. Associated with Bamana agricultural masquerades in Mali, Ci Wara headdresses honor cultivation, discipline, and the mythic being credited with teaching farming. This example entered the Jackson State University collection through the 1949 donation of Lawrence Jones, inaugural chair of the Department of Art."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202101.png",
          "caption": "Teke Power Figure (Buti/Biteki Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll002",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Teke Power Figure (Buti/Biteki Type)",
          "text": "This Teke-style power figure is carved from wood and centers on a prominent abdominal charge, a focal point that gives the figure its visual and spiritual emphasis. Figures of this type, often called buti or biteki, were activated through materials, specialist knowledge, and social use. Its compact scale, frontal stance, and concentrated bundle create an image of contained force."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200601.png",
          "caption": "Tabwa-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll003",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Tabwa-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a rounded, helmet-like form with geometric facial divisions, narrow eyes, a small mouth, and a smooth dark surface. The balanced abstraction and segmented planes relate it to Tabwa and neighboring Central African masking traditions. The mask’s quiet symmetry gives the face a composed, reserved presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200603.png",
          "caption": "Buffalo-Form Slit Drum",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll004",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Buffalo-Form Slit Drum",
          "text": "This wooden slit drum is carved in the form of a buffalo, with a hollowed body, narrow sounding slit, four legs, horns, tail, and animal head. Animal-form slit drums translate sculpture into sound, joining visual representation with communication and performance. The buffalo form emphasizes strength, mass, and alert movement. This work is possibly attributable to the Tabwa."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200602.png",
          "caption": "Tabwa-Style Buffalo Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll005",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1890"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Tabwa-Style Buffalo Mask",
          "text": "This zoomorphic wooden mask represents a buffalo with long curving horns, a broad muzzle, and metal tack decoration across the surface. In Central African visual traditions, buffalo imagery often evokes force, endurance, and authority. The mask’s powerful profile and textured surface create a commanding public presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200605.png",
          "caption": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask with Raffia and Feathers",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll006",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask with Raffia and Feathers",
          "text": "This Songye-style kifwebe mask is carved with an elongated striated face, projecting mouth, plant-fiber beard, and feather elements. Kifwebe masks are associated with Songye and northern Luba masquerade traditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rhythmic grooves and projecting facial forms create a sense of disciplined movement and authority."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200606.png",
          "caption": "Bembe Ibulu Iya-Style Janus Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll007",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bembe Ibulu Iya-Style Janus Mask",
          "text": "This double-faced, or Janus, mask presents two faces joined in a single rounded form, with large circular eye surrounds, red and white pigment, and plant-fiber attachments. The two-sided construction suggests watchfulness, transformation, and the capacity to address multiple directions at once. Its bold color contrasts heighten the mask’s dramatic presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200610.png",
          "caption": "Luba Lukasa Memory Board",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll008",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba Lukasa Memory Board",
          "text": "This Luba lukasa memory board is carved from wood with raised and incised mnemonic designs and a small seated figure. Lukasa boards were used by initiated members of the Mbudye association as tactile and visual prompts for histories, political knowledge, genealogy, and moral instruction. The object’s patterned surface turns memory into a sculptural field."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200611.png",
          "caption": "Baule Female Spirit Spouse Figure (Blolo Bla Style)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll009",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Baule Female Spirit Spouse Figure (Blolo Bla Style)",
          "text": "This Baule-style standing female figure is identified as a blolo bla, or female spirit-spouse figure. Its upright stance, idealized body, and composed expression suggest an image made for intimate reflection rather than public display. In Baule thought, such figures could embody an otherworldly partner and serve as a point of personal devotion."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200615.png",
          "caption": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll010",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "text": "This Songye-style kifwebe mask features a tall central crest, narrow eye slits, an elongated striated face, projecting mouth, and plant-fiber beard or costume remnants. The strong linear carving creates a dynamic surface that would have been intensified by movement. Its form belongs to the visual language of kifwebe masquerade in southeastern Central Africa."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200501.png",
          "caption": "Banda or Kumbaruba-Style Headdress",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll011",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Banda or Kumbaruba-Style Headdress",
          "text": "This large horizontal banda, or kumbaruba-style, headdress combines human and animal features into a single dramatic form. Associated with the coastal Guinea region, such headdresses often unite facial imagery, elaborate coiffure, and animal references to create a powerful composite being. The long horizontal format gives the object an expansive, processional quality."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA200616.png",
          "caption": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll012",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye Kifwebe-Style Mask",
          "text": "This Songye-style kifwebe mask has a high sagittal crest, angular eyes, projecting features, and deep linear incisions filled with white pigment. The crest and striated face create a forceful vertical emphasis. Kifwebe masks are associated with Songye and Luba-related masquerade traditions in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201101.png",
          "caption": "Tetela- or Central Congolese-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll014",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Tetela- or Central Congolese-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has an elongated oval face, large pierced eye openings, linear facial markings, small projecting ears, and an open mouth with carved teeth. The strong vertical proportions and marked surface create an alert, expressive face. Its form relates to central Congolese masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201102.png",
          "caption": "Hemba- or Luba-Hemba-Style Male Ancestor Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll015",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba- or Luba-Hemba-Style Male Ancestor Figure",
          "text": "This standing male figure is carved with elongated proportions, a calm face, closed almond-shaped eyes, patterned beard or jawline band, hands resting at the abdomen, and pronounced genitalia. The posture and restrained expression relate to Hemba and Luba-Hemba ancestor figure traditions. Its composed stance suggests dignity, continuity, and lineage memory."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201103.png",
          "caption": "Curved Horn or Implement with Anthropomorphic Head",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll016",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Curved Horn or Implement with Anthropomorphic Head",
          "text": "This composite object joins a curved horn with a carved anthropomorphic wooden head and collar-like attachment. The pairing of organic form and human imagery gives the object a concentrated ritual or prestige presence. Its small figural finial transforms the horn into a sculptural implement."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201104.png",
          "caption": "Bembe Emangungu/Eluba-Style Initiation Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll017",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bembe Emangungu/Eluba-Style Initiation Mask",
          "text": "This narrow plank-form mask has broad heart-shaped eye fields, small pierced eye openings, a long central lizard carved over the nose, an open mouth, punctate surface details, and traces of dark and reddish-brown pigment. The elongated format gives the face a striking graphic presence. Its form relates to Bembe emangungu or eluba masks associated with initiation contexts."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201105.png",
          "caption": "Songye-Style Horned Nkishi Power Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll018",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye-Style Horned Nkishi Power Figure",
          "text": "This standing anthropomorphic power figure is carved with an elongated torso, bent legs, projecting abdomen, small head, light surface pigment, and a dark horn rising from the crown. The horn draws the eye upward and signals the addition of charged materials. The figure’s concentrated body and assertive silhouette relate to Songye nkisi or nkishi traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201107.png",
          "caption": "Bird-Form Figure with Long Beak",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll019",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bird-Form Figure with Long Beak",
          "text": "This carved zoomorphic figure represents a bird with a long downward beak, compact body, reduced limbs, and an inlaid shell eye. The simplified form emphasizes the curve of the beak and the alert point of the eye. Bird imagery appears across several eastern and central Congolese traditions, where animal forms often carry layered social and symbolic meaning."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201106.png",
          "caption": "Kongo- or Yombe-Style Figural Relief Plaque",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll020",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kongo- or Yombe-Style Figural Relief Plaque",
          "text": "This carved wooden plaque presents a human face in relief against a flat trapezoidal backing with suspension holes. The face has half-closed eyes, a prominent nose, and a pursed mouth, giving the plaque a quiet, watchful quality. Its format suggests a hanging relief ornament connected to Kongo or Yombe-related visual traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201108.png",
          "caption": "Kuba-Style Prestige Belt with Beads and Cowries",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll021",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kuba-Style Prestige Belt with Beads and Cowries",
          "text": "This Kuba-style prestige belt is made from a fiber backing densely decorated with glass beads and rows of cowrie shells in red, black, and white geometric patterns. Cowries and beads were valued materials in Kuba courtly and prestige arts. The repeated motifs and rich surface announce status through both pattern and material abundance."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201110.png",
          "caption": "Luba- or Hemba-Style Figural Personal Ritual Object",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll022",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba- or Hemba-Style Figural Personal Ritual Object",
          "text": "This small ceremonial object combines a simplified human figure finial, a spirally carved cylindrical shaft, and a tapered pointed terminal. Its compact scale suggests an object designed to be held, carried, inserted, or used as a personal implement. The combination of figure and patterned shaft gives the object a refined sculptural presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201111.png",
          "caption": "Hemba-Style Kneeling Female Ancestor Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll023",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba-Style Kneeling Female Ancestor Figure",
          "text": "This small kneeling female figure has a large rounded head, closed eyes, elongated neck, pronounced navel, compact body, and polished surface. The raised hands and composed face create a pose of attention or inward focus. Its proportions relate to Hemba and neighboring eastern Congolese figural traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201112.png",
          "caption": "Bembe-Style Face Mask with Large White Eye Fields",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll024",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bembe-Style Face Mask with Large White Eye Fields",
          "text": "This small face mask has an elongated oval form, large circular white eye fields surrounding dark pierced pupils, a compact mouth opening, and subtle asymmetry. The mask faetures a carved lizard on the right hand side. The intense eye treatment gives the mask a striking, alert expression. Its scale and facial emphasis relate to Bembe masking traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201114.png",
          "caption": "Double-Headed Zoomorphic Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll025",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Double-Headed Zoomorphic Figure",
          "text": "This horizontal zoomorphic object has an elongated central body with simplified animal heads at both ends. Its compact, abstracted form reduces the animal body to a strong linear silhouette. The restrained carving emphasizes balance, repetition, and the sculptural rhythm of paired forms."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201113.png",
          "caption": "Songye Nkishi-Style Power Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll026",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye Nkishi-Style Power Figure",
          "text": "This Songye-style nkisi or nkishi power figure is carved with a faceted mask-like head, metal studs, fiber bindings around the torso, and bifurcated legs. Added materials and bindings focus attention on the figure as an assembled and activated object. Its angular face and compact stance create an image of condensed power."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201115.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Female Bust or Figural Finial",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll027",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Female Bust or Figural Finial",
          "text": "This small figural finial depicts a female bust with a rounded head, half-lidded eyes, facial markings, elongated neck, and a cylindrical torso carved with geometric motifs. The refined face and patterned body relate to Luba-style figural finials and prestige objects. Its compact form suggests that it may once have belonged to a larger object."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201116.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll028",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "text": "This Luba-style divination rattle is carved with a female figure finial above stacked pierced spherical chambers that likely held sound-producing materials. In Luba visual culture, female imagery is closely associated with memory, authority, and spirit mediation. The object joins sound, handling, and figural sculpture in a single ritual form."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201117.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Sculptural Head or Figure Fragment",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll029",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Sculptural Head or Figure Fragment",
          "text": "This carved sculptural head has an elongated oval face, gently arched eyelids, defined nose and mouth, linear facial markings, pointed coiffure, and short cylindrical base. The refined modeling and composed expression relate to Luba figural sculpture. Its format suggests a fragment, finial, or independent sculptural head."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201119.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Bearded Mask with Raffia",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll030",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Bearded Mask with Raffia",
          "text": "This carved face mask presents an elongated oval face with downcast almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, small mouth, light pigment traces, substantial raffia beard, and suspension loop. The beard and pale surface details give the mask both texture and depth. Its restrained expression relates to Lega and Lega-related Central African mask traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201120.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Anthropomorphic Headrest",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll031",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Anthropomorphic Headrest",
          "text": "This sculpted wooden headrest is formed by two kneeling figures facing one another and supporting a curved horizontal neck rest. The carefully modeled heads, elongated bodies, and balanced composition relate to Luba prestige supports. Such headrests protected elaborate hairstyles while also functioning as sculptural signs of status and refinement."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201121.png",
          "caption": "Songye-Style Anthropomorphic Power Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll032",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye-Style Anthropomorphic Power Figure",
          "text": "This small freestanding power figure has a compact mask-like head with a short sagittal crest, arched brows, closed eyes, ringed neck, and columnar body carved with diamond and linear motifs. Its geometric surface and frontal stance relate to Songye power-figure traditions. The figure’s small scale concentrates its visual force."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201122.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Maternity Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll033",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Maternity Figure",
          "text": "This small figural group shows a seated adult supporting or nursing a child. Rounded volumes, a textured coiffure or cap, compact limbs, and an integrated base emphasize closeness and care. The subject evokes continuity, nurture, and lineage within a Luba or related Central African sculptural idiom."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201201.png",
          "caption": "Pende Mbuya-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll034",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Pende Mbuya-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Pende mbuya-style face mask has an oval form, narrow horizontal eye slits, an open mouth with carved teeth, red, white, and black pigment, and evidence of fiber attachments. Mbuya masks are associated with public masquerade and named characters. The mask’s color contrasts and tooth-baring mouth create a lively, theatrical presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201202.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Bearded Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll035",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Bearded Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a rounded cranial form, narrow horizontal eye slits, a slightly open mouth with carved teeth, incised forehead motifs, and remnants of fur and fiber attachments. The face combines restraint with force, while the attached materials add texture and movement. Its form relates to Lega or Lega-related masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201204.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll036",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Luba-style face mask has an elongated oval form, smooth convex facial planes, narrow horizontal eye slits, a small slightly open mouth, and a softly incised coiffure band. The calm expression and balanced surface create an idealized face. Its quiet refinement relates to Luba approaches to beauty, composure, and social authority."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201203.png",
          "caption": "Ituri-Region Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll037",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Ituri-Region Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This light-colored face mask is coated with kaolin and modeled with a soft oval face, arched brow ridge, small pierced eyes, narrow straight nose, and restrained mouth. The pale surface gives the mask a luminous, reserved presence. Its form relates to Ituri-region masks associated with Mbuti, Ndaka, and neighboring northeastern Congolese peoples."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201210.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll038",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "text": "This Lega lukwakongo-style mask has an oval, softly contoured face, narrow horizontal eye slits, subtle brow ridge, small mouth, weathered light-brown surface, and attached fiber beard. Lukwakongo masks are associated with Bwami initiation and instruction. The mask’s reduced features create a quiet but memorable image."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201208.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll039",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "text": "This small Lega maskette, likely of the lukwakongo type, has a softly modeled rounded-rectangular face, narrow horizontal eye slits, a short projecting nose, small mouth, dotted and linear facial markings, and traces of light pigment. Its compact scale suggests intimate handling within Bwami-associated contexts. The surface markings animate the otherwise restrained face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201212.png",
          "caption": "Lwalwa Mfondo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll040",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lwalwa Mfondo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Lwalwa, or Lwalu, Mfondo-style face mask has an elongated oval form, narrow horizontal eye slits, a small projecting nose, sharply divided red, black, and natural wood-toned pigment, and a V-shaped forehead motif. The angular planes and bold color fields create a highly graphic face. Its form relates closely to Lwalwa/Lwalu masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201215.png",
          "caption": "Lega Bwami-Style Standing Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll041",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Bwami-Style Standing Figure",
          "text": "This small Lega-style standing figure has an elongated head, pierced eyes, facial perforations, a ridged cylindrical torso, simplified limbs, and a worn surface. Its compact scale and abstracted body relate to Lega objects used within Bwami association contexts. The perforated features and reduced form give the figure a quiet, concentrated presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201216.png",
          "caption": "Lega Bwami-Style Figure with Raised Arms",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll042",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Bwami-Style Figure with Raised Arms",
          "text": "This small Lega-style standing figure raises both arms beside an elongated oval head and schematic body. Numerous drilled perforations across the face and torso animate the surface and draw attention to the figure's frontal pose. The raised arms and compact body relate to Lega Bwami-associated figural traditions, including katanda-related forms."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201217.png",
          "caption": "Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure (Singiti Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll043",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure (Singiti Type)",
          "text": "This small Hemba-style standing figure has bent legs, a forward-leaning posture, elongated head, downcast almond-shaped eyes, narrow nose, and traces of red and light pigment. Hemba ancestor figures, often called singiti, are associated with lineage commemoration and ancestral presence. The figure's modest scale and contemplative expression give it a reserved dignity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201218.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Lidded Ceremonial Container",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll044",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1910"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Lidded Ceremonial Container",
          "text": "This Luba-style lidded wooden container has a rounded vessel body decorated with chevron and linear motifs and a sculptural lid formed by paired stylized human figures. The combination of container and figural handle links utility with prestige. In Luba and related central Congolese traditions, elaborately carved containers could signal authority, ceremony, and refined craftsmanship."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201221.png",
          "caption": "Lega Bwami-Style Anthropomorphic Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll045",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Bwami-Style Anthropomorphic Figure",
          "text": "This small Lega-style anthropomorphic figure has a heart-shaped face, narrow almond eyes, simplified proportions, and an elongated lower body or handle-like form. The worn dark patina suggests handling over time. Its restrained carving and compact scale relate to Lega Bwami figures and association objects used for teaching, rank, and moral instruction."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201224.png",
          "caption": "Songye-Style Beaded Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll046",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye-Style Beaded Face Mask",
          "text": "This Songye-style carved wooden mask has an elongated oval face, narrow horizontal eye slits, pronounced nose, pursed mouth, cylindrical rim, and red and white glass beads outlining the eyes and cheeks. The beaded details add brilliance to the otherwise forceful wooden form. Its facial structure relates to Songye masking traditions while presenting a distinctive decorated surface."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201222.png",
          "caption": "Bamana-Style Composite Power Figure or Adorned Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll047",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bamana-Style Composite Power Figure or Adorned Figure",
          "text": "This composite figure combines a stylized human head with a globular body densely adorned with glass beads, cowrie shells, leather, fiber, and other applied materials. The accumulated surface creates a sense of abundance, protection, and ritual intensity. Its materials relate broadly to West African power-object, adornment, and ceremonial traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201206.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll048",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "text": "This small Lega lukwakongo-type maskette has an elongated oval face, softly modeled surface, narrow almond-shaped eyes, short straight nose, small horizontal mouth, heavy wear, and traces of light pigment or kaolin. Its compact format suggests an object meant for close viewing and handling. The restrained features relate to Lega Bwami association maskettes."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201205.png",
          "caption": "Boa-Style Face Mask with Ring Ears",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll049",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Boa-Style Face Mask with Ring Ears",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has an elongated oval face, large circular ring-shaped ears, narrow eyes, an open mouth with teeth, and subdued brown, ochre, and dark surface tones. The prominent ring ears relate to Boa pongdudu-type masks from the Uele region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mask's angular features create a forceful and memorable expression."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201207.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll050",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Mask",
          "text": "This Lega lukwakongo-type mask has an elongated oval face, narrow horizontal eye slits, long straight nose, small open mouth, brown and ivory-toned surface, and evidence of former fiber attachments. Lukwakongo masks are associated with Bwami society instruction and rank. The softened modeling and pale highlights give the face a contemplative presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201209.png",
          "caption": "Ngbandi-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll051",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Ngbandi-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Ngbandi-style wooden mask has an elongated oval form, square eye openings, a pronounced vertical nasal ridge with notched relief, rectangular open mouth with carved teeth, striated cap-like coiffure, and weathered pigment. The severe geometry of the face gives the mask a powerful visual clarity. Its form relates to Ubangi-region masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201211.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll052",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Chokwe face mask of the pwo or mwana pwo type has an elongated oval face, heavy-lidded horizontal eyes, incised diagonal and vertical facial markings, prominent straight nose, and open mouth with carved teeth. Pwo and mwana pwo masks are associated with idealized womanhood, beauty, and female ancestral presence. The mask's refined facial surface and scarification motifs emphasize elegance and social identity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201213.png",
          "caption": "Ngbaka or Ubangi-Region Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll053",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1950"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Ngbaka or Ubangi-Region Face Mask",
          "text": "This elongated wooden mask has narrow slit eyes, a pronounced straight nose, cross-hatched surface decoration, pigment, and attached fiber elements. Its scarification-like patterns and austere face relate to Ngbaka, Mbanza/Banja, and neighboring Ubangi-region masking traditions. The long facial plane creates a formal, solemn presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201219.png",
          "caption": "Ngbaka Dagara/Gaza-Style Initiation Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll054",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Ngbaka Dagara/Gaza-Style Initiation Mask",
          "text": "This elongated Ngbaka-style wooden mask has an oval helmet-like form, almond-shaped pierced eyes, projecting straight nose, wide open mouth, heavy patina, and austere carving. The mask's formal severity gives it a commanding presence. Comparable Ngbaka masks from the Ubangi region are associated with initiation and related performance contexts."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201214.png",
          "caption": "Lega Bwami Figure (Iginga-Style)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll055",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Bwami Figure (Iginga-Style)",
          "text": "This Lega standing figure has elongated proportions, bent arms framing the torso, an asymmetrical face, one eye highlighted with white kaolin, and a compact pedestal base. Lega Bwami figures, often called iginga, are associated with initiation, rank, and moral instruction. The contrasting eye treatment gives the figure a striking sense of focus."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201220.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Ceremonial Spoon or Bwami Paddle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll056",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Ceremonial Spoon or Bwami Paddle",
          "text": "This Lega-style ceremonial spoon or paddle has an elongated blade and a handle surmounted by a small anthropomorphic figure with white kaolin highlights. The attenuated body, dark patina, and worn surface suggest repeated handling. Lega and neighboring Bwami association objects could serve as teaching, prestige, and ceremonial implements."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201404.png",
          "caption": "Songye Nkishi-Style Power Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll057",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye Nkishi-Style Power Figure",
          "text": "This Songye-style nkisi or nkishi power figure has a faceted mask-like head, metal studs, fiber bindings around the torso, and bifurcated legs. The angular face, applied materials, and binding create a dense visual language of activation and protection. Comparable Songye power figures were understood as effective through added substances, specialist intervention, and social use."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201408.png",
          "caption": "Hemba- or Luba-Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll058",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba- or Luba-Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure",
          "text": "This Hemba or Luba-Hemba style ancestor figure has an elongated neck and torso, heart-shaped face, restrained features, chevron scarification on the abdomen, and bead ornaments at the neck and waist. The upright stance and composed expression relate to ancestor-figure traditions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The figure presents lineage memory through idealized, dignified form."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201401.png",
          "caption": "Songye- or Luba-Songye-Style Carved Figural Panel",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll059",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye- or Luba-Songye-Style Carved Figural Panel",
          "text": "This vertical carved wooden panel is made of joined sections and organized around a large stylized face in the upper register with paired figures below. Incised geometric and dotted motifs cover the surface, while metal staples or repairs suggest a long object history. The layered composition relates to Songye or Luba-Songye regional carving traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201402.png",
          "caption": "Songye-Style Ritual Power Staff",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll060",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Songye-Style Ritual Power Staff",
          "text": "This Songye-style composite ritual staff or staff-like power object combines a carved mask-like head, pierced eyes, metal-studded ornament, feathers, a long shaft, and a seated bound figure. The attached fiber, textile, and metal details create an assembled surface of authority and activation. The object relates to Songye power-object traditions in Central Africa."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201403.png",
          "caption": "Dogon-Style Standing Female Ancestor Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll061",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dogon-Style Standing Female Ancestor Figure",
          "text": "This Dogon-style standing female figure has an elongated columnar body, exposed breasts, long arms held close to the torso, scarified facial features, open mouth, diamond motifs on the lower body, and a mineral-encrusted surface. The figure's verticality and patterned surface relate to Dogon female figure traditions. Its reserved stance conveys endurance and ancestral presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201405.png",
          "caption": "Hemba- or Luba-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll062",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba- or Luba-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "text": "This Hemba or Luba-related female figure has an elongated columnar body, prominent breasts, refined oval face with half-closed eyes, linear scarification, smooth dark patina, and a fiber collar at the neck. The tall form and composed face suggest eastern or central Congolese figural traditions. Its simplified body and polished surface emphasize stillness and dignity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201407.png",
          "caption": "Teke-Style Standing Figure with Openwork Torso",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll063",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Teke-Style Standing Figure with Openwork Torso",
          "text": "This Teke-style standing figure has elongated proportions, pierced eyes, a cylindrical neck with beaded collar, metal ring earrings, and openwork lozenge-shaped cutouts through the torso. The ornaments frame the figure as both body and object of display. Its openwork center gives the compact sculpture an unusual architectural quality."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201406.png",
          "caption": "Kuba or Bushoong-Style Ceremonial Panel or Shield",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll064",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kuba or Bushoong-Style Ceremonial Panel or Shield",
          "text": "This rectangular Kuba or Bushoong-style ceremonial panel or shield-like object is decorated with painted diamond patterns, an inset circular mask face, relief animal motifs, pegged frame construction, and metal fittings or repairs. The combination of geometry, mask imagery, and animal forms relates to Kuba prestige arts. Its structured surface creates a strong ceremonial presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201409.png",
          "caption": "Lega Bwami Female Figure (Iginga-Style)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll065",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Bwami Female Figure (Iginga-Style)",
          "text": "This Lega standing female figure has elongated proportions, simplified facial features, small projecting breasts, a long neck, beaded waist element, and a worn handled surface. Lega female figures known as iginga are associated with Bwami initiation and rank. The figure's restrained carving focuses attention on posture, surface, and symbolic presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201410.png",
          "caption": "Kuba or Bushoong-Style Carved Prestige Panel",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll066",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kuba or Bushoong-Style Carved Prestige Panel",
          "text": "This Kuba or Bushoong-style relief panel is densely carved with incised and raised geometric motifs and three stylized mask faces with projecting eyes and crested coiffures. Kuba courtly and prestige arts are known for rhythmic geometry and complex surface design. The panel's repeated faces and patterns create a vivid ornamental field."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201411.png",
          "caption": "Tabwa Musangwe-Style Helmet Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll067",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Tabwa Musangwe-Style Helmet Mask",
          "text": "This helmet-style mask has a rounded dome, facial features carved in relief across a horizontal band, cowrie-shell eyes, incised linear scarification, and lateral attachment perforations. The compact form and cowrie details relate to Tabwa Musangwe-type masks from southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its low, rounded profile gives the mask a contained, sculptural force."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201501.png",
          "caption": "Horned Zoomorphic Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll068",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Horned Zoomorphic Mask",
          "text": "This horned zoomorphic mask is carved as a stylized bovine or antelope-like head with an elongated facial plane, upright curved horns, almond-shaped eyes, exposed teeth, and traces of hide and pigment. The animal form emphasizes alertness, strength, and motion. Its dramatic horns and open mouth create an energetic masquerade presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201502.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll069",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Chokwe pwo or mwana pwo face mask has a rounded forehead, half-closed almond-shaped eyes, elongated nose, pursed mouth, incised facial scarification, and attached fiber or costume remnants. A cruciform cingelyengelye-like motif marks the forehead. The mask aligns with Chokwe female mask traditions centered on idealized beauty and ancestral femininity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201504.png",
          "caption": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Conical Initiation Helmet Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll070",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Conical Initiation Helmet Mask",
          "text": "This conical Yaka or Suku-related helmet mask has a sharply tapering crown, narrow horizontal eye slit, inset cowrie shells, incised side accents, dark patina, and a perforated lower rim for costume attachment. The vertical cone creates a dramatic silhouette. Its form relates to southwestern Congolese initiation masks."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201503.png",
          "caption": "Boa-Style Plank Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll071",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Boa-Style Plank Face Mask",
          "text": "This elongated plank-form face mask has a flat reverse, narrow perforated eyes, a pronounced vertical median ridge forming the nose, a rectangular openwork mouth with carved teeth, and abraded white kaolin over dark patina. The stark geometry relates to Boa or related northern Congolese mask traditions. Its pale surface and strong ridge create a striking graphic face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201506.png",
          "caption": "Kwese- or Kete-Style Helmet Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll072",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kwese- or Kete-Style Helmet Mask",
          "text": "This Kwese or Kete-style circular helmet or face mask has softly modeled rounded features, narrow horizontal eye slits with ochre accents, a small pursed mouth, smooth dark patina, and a thick padded fiber border. The circular form gives the mask a compact, self-contained presence. Its features relate to Kasai-region masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201507.png",
          "caption": "Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll074",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Hemba-Style Standing Ancestor Figure",
          "text": "This Hemba-style standing figure has an elongated columnar body, simplified cylindrical legs divided by a vertical slit, a small schematic head, almond-shaped eyes, restrained facial features, heavy wear, and dark patina. Hemba singiti ancestor figures are associated with lineage commemoration. The figure's simplicity gives it a quiet, enduring presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201508.png",
          "caption": "Boa Pongdudu-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll075",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Boa Pongdudu-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Boa face mask has projecting circular ring-shaped ears, angular facial planes, perforated round eyes, an open mouth with exposed teeth, compact form, and dark patina. Boa pongdudu-type masks are known for large ring ears and forceful features. This example uses bold geometry to create an expressive, frontal face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201509.png",
          "caption": "Boa-Style Standing Female Figure with Ring Ears",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll076",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Boa-Style Standing Female Figure with Ring Ears",
          "text": "This Boa-style standing female figure has compact proportions, large circular ring-shaped ears, an oval head with almond-shaped eyes, straight arms held close to the torso, short bent legs, incised genital detail, and worn surface patina. The ring ears connect the figure visually to Boa sculptural forms from the Uele region. Its compact stance emphasizes bodily presence and frontality."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201510.png",
          "caption": "Dan- or We-Style Face Mask with Raffia Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll077",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan- or We-Style Face Mask with Raffia Beard",
          "text": "This Dan or We-related face mask has an oval facial plane, half-closed almond-shaped eyes, small pursed mouth, dense incised scarification across the forehead and cheeks, attached raffia beard, feathered crest, and dark burnished patina. The mask's polished face contrasts with the fiber and feather attachments. Its form relates to West African forest-region masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201601.png",
          "caption": "Dogon-Style Vessel Support with Paired Figures",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll078",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dogon-Style Vessel Support with Paired Figures",
          "text": "This Dogon-style vessel support features two kneeling figures facing one another while jointly supporting a bowl or container. The symmetrical composition, elongated limbs, and stylized faces reflect a Dogon sculptural idiom. The object transforms a vessel support into an image of balance, cooperation, and ritualized form."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201602.png",
          "caption": "Suku Hemba-Type Helmet Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll079",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Suku Hemba-Type Helmet Mask",
          "text": "This Suku helmet mask of the hemba type has a rounded cranial form, heavy-lidded eyes, projecting nose, broad open mouth with teeth, mineral-encrusted or worn surface, and evidence of handling. Hemba-type masks are associated with Suku initiation contexts. The expressive mouth and rounded head give the mask a powerful public character."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201603.png",
          "caption": "Yoruba Ceremonial Staff with Figural Finial",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll080",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Yoruba Ceremonial Staff with Figural Finial",
          "text": "This Yoruba vertical ceremonial staff is carved from wood and surmounted by a squatting figure holding or supporting a vessel. Stacked geometric and mask-like motifs structure the shaft below. Yoruba carved staffs can be associated with shrine, ceremonial, or prestige contexts, where sculptural form marks spiritual and social significance."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201604.png",
          "caption": "Yoruba Gelede-Style Helmet Mask with Superstructure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll081",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Yoruba Gelede-Style Helmet Mask with Superstructure",
          "text": "This Yoruba helmet mask relates to the Gelede masking tradition and presents a stylized human face with half-closed eyes, projecting nose, small mouth, dotted polychrome surface, and an openwork superstructure rising above the head. Gelede masks honor female spiritual power, social balance, and communal performance. The elevated superstructure gives the mask a lively architectural presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201605.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll082",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Chokwe pwo or mwana pwo face mask has an oval face, high forehead, heavy-lidded eyes, small ears, long nose, open mouth with carved teeth, incised coiffure band, and worn light and dark patina. The mask aligns with Chokwe representations of idealized womanhood and female ancestors. Its refined features emphasize beauty, poise, and social identity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201606.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe-Style Seated Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll083",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe-Style Seated Female Figure",
          "text": "This Chokwe-style seated female figure has articulated or outstretched legs, elongated torso, exposed breasts, finely modeled head, half-closed eyes, incised coiffure, and dense scarification motifs across the face and body. The scarification and facial style relate to Chokwe ideals of beauty and identity. The seated pose gives the figure a grounded, self-possessed presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201712.png",
          "caption": "Dan Ceremonial Spoon or Feast Ladle (Wunkirmian/Wakemia Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll084",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan Ceremonial Spoon or Feast Ladle (Wunkirmian/Wakemia Type)",
          "text": "This Dan ceremonial spoon or feast ladle has a large oval bowl and a long handle surmounted by a stylized female head with incised coiffure and facial features. Dan spoons, often called wunkirmian or wakemia, are prestige objects associated with hospitality, generosity, and women honored for feast-making roles. The object joins utility, sculpture, and social recognition."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201702.png",
          "caption": "Central African Face Mask with Ridged Coiffure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll085",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Face Mask with Ridged Coiffure",
          "text": "This Central African wooden mask has half-closed slit eyes, a long straight nose, open rectangular mouth, broad rounded face, weathered pigment, and a high ridged coiffure or crest. The refined modeling and ribbed coiffure relate to Chokwe or Pende-related mask traditions. Its calm face contrasts with the strong vertical crest."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201703.png",
          "caption": "Small Central African Maskette",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll086",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Small Central African Maskette",
          "text": "This small dark wooden maskette has an elongated oval face, rounded forehead, shallow pierced eyes, worn dark surface, and pointed lower chin. Its compact scale suggests a personal or association object rather than a full performance mask. The reduced features create an intimate, quietly expressive face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201705.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll087",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "text": "This small light-colored Lega-type maskette has a rounded forehead, long narrow projecting nose, small oval eye openings, and elongated lower face. The pale surface recalls kaolin-coated Bwami maskettes. Its compact form and softened modeling relate to lukwakongo-type Lega objects used for instruction and rank."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201707.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll088",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette",
          "text": "This small Lega-type maskette has a heart-shaped face framed by raised brow and cheek planes, a central vertical ridge, small pierced eyes, pointed lower face, and worn light and dark surface. The heart-shaped face and compact scale relate to Lega lukwakongo-type maskettes. Its graphic simplicity gives the object a memorable presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201708.png",
          "caption": "Oval Face Mask with Red Eye Accents",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll089",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Oval Face Mask with Red Eye Accents",
          "text": "This oval face mask has a rounded forehead, oval eyes edged with reddish pigment, a long straight nose, open oval mouth, dark surface, and vertical red and light markings down the face. The mask's strong central axis and painted accents create a visually direct expression. Its form relates broadly to Central or West-Central African masking traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201710.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll090",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "text": "This small Lega-type maskette has an elongated oval face, half-closed slit eyes, long straight nose, small mouth, light and dark patina, and attached plant-fiber beard. The pale surface traces and fiber beard relate closely to Lega lukwakongo maskettes associated with Bwami society. Its reduced features encourage close, contemplative viewing."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201711.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll091",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This large oval wooden face mask has a broad rounded forehead, long central nose, small mouth, hollowed oval eyes, concave facial planes, and dark gray-brown surface. The abstract heart-like facial structure recalls Lega Bwami masks and related eastern Congolese mask traditions. Its broad planes create a calm, monumental face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201701.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll092",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This Chokwe-type face mask has a light-toned face, half-closed almond-shaped eyes, long straight nose, small square mouth, incised cheek and forehead scarification, and side fiber or raffia elements. The facial ideal, scarification, and coiffure treatment relate to pwo or mwana pwo masking traditions. The mask emphasizes beauty through stillness, symmetry, and refined detail."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201704.png",
          "caption": "Dan-We, Kran, or Grebo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll093",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan-We, Kran, or Grebo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This elongated mask has sharply pointed ear- or horn-like projections, a long central nose ridge, narrow downcast eyes, white facial surface with black markings, and a dark upper surface. The assertive silhouette relates to Dan-We, Kran, Grebo, and neighboring West African forest-region masks. The contrast of pale face and dark upper form gives it a dramatic presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201706.png",
          "caption": "Kete- or Kuba-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll094",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kete- or Kuba-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This wooden face mask has an elongated oval face, sharply projecting central nose ridge, narrow slanted eyes, small horizontal mouth, dark and reddish-brown pigment, striated side panels, and fiber edging. Its angular features and surface patterning relate to Kete or Kuba-related masks from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mask's elongated face creates a strong vertical rhythm."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201709.png",
          "caption": "West-Central African White-Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll095",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West-Central African White-Face Mask",
          "text": "This elongated black-and-white face mask has a domed cap-like crown, long narrow face, prominent central ridge or nose, small oval eyes, pointed lower face, and contrasting light pigment on the upper face. The white facial field and abstract structure relate to West-Central African white-mask traditions. Its stark color contrast gives the object graphic force."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201813.png",
          "caption": "Fon- or Ewe-Fon-Style Power Figure (Bocio Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll096",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Fon- or Ewe-Fon-Style Power Figure (Bocio Type)",
          "text": "This composite power figure has a carved wooden head and post-like base, cloth-wrapped body, fiber bindings, cowrie shells, cords, and accumulated surface materials. The wrappings and cowries create a dense protective form. Its construction relates to Fon or Ewe-Fon bocio power objects from Benin and neighboring areas."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201803.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll097",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe Pwo or Mwana Pwo-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This wooden face mask has an oval face, incised striated coiffure, half-closed eyes, long narrow nose, open rectangular mouth, reddish-brown surface, and incised facial markings. The refined face, calm expression, and coiffure closely recall Chokwe pwo or mwana pwo masks. Its measured features convey poise and idealized beauty."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201802.png",
          "caption": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Initiation Mask (Ndeemba/Kholuka Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll098",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Initiation Mask (Ndeemba/Kholuka Type)",
          "text": "This Yaka or Suku-related initiation mask has a white-painted wooden face, square eye openings, projecting central nose ridge, small mouth, vertical nasal detail, dark cap or crown, and large raffia collar. The form parallels Ndeemba or Kholuka masks associated with mukanda or n-khanda initiation contexts in southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The raffia collar would have animated the mask in performance."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201804.png",
          "caption": "Central African Face Mask with Incised Linear Markings",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll099",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Face Mask with Incised Linear Markings",
          "text": "This Central African wooden mask has an elongated oval face, half-closed slit eyes, long straight nose, open oval mouth, red-brown and dark pigment fields, and incised linear markings on the forehead and cheeks. The calm facial treatment relates to Chokwe, Pende, and related Central African mask traditions. Its balanced face and warm surface tones create a composed presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201801.png",
          "caption": "Kasai-Region Style Painted Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll100",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kasai-Region Style Painted Face Mask",
          "text": "This rounded wooden mask has bold black and reddish-brown pigment fields, rectangular eye slits, long central nose, square open mouth with carved teeth, white painted markings, and fiber edging. The geometric color arrangement relates to Kasai-region masks from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Kuba-Kete or Pende-related traditions. The mask's sharp contrasts create a vivid public face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201805.png",
          "caption": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll101",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega Lukwakongo-Style Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "text": "This small Lega-type maskette has a rounded oval or heart-shaped face, small pierced eyes, long central nose ridge, small mouth, light kaolin-like surface, and attached plant-fiber beard or collar. The pale surface and fiber attachment closely relate to Lega lukwakongo maskettes associated with Bwami society. Its compact form invites close viewing."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201806.png",
          "caption": "Central African Ceremonial Staff or Implement",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll102",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Ceremonial Staff or Implement",
          "text": "This wooden staff-like ceremonial implement has a long shaft, rounded finial, and attached curved secondary element or blade-like projection. The object relates to Central African prestige staffs, ritual implements, or insignia. Its long, asymmetrical silhouette gives it the character of a handled object meant to mark status or ceremonial action."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201807.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll103",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "text": "This Luba-style ritual rattle is composed of stacked spherical resonator forms surmounted by a small anthropomorphic figure. Luba figural rattles are associated with divination, consultation, and ritual sound. The object joins sculptural imagery with the physical action of shaking and listening."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201808.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll104",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Figural Divination Rattle",
          "text": "This Luba-style ritual rattle is carved from dark wood with a small figure finial above stacked spherical rattle chambers. In Luba-related ritual contexts, sound, handling, and figural imagery could work together in divination or consultation. The stacked forms create a rhythmic sculptural profile."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201809.png",
          "caption": "Central African Standing Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll105",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Standing Figure",
          "text": "This small standing anthropomorphic figure has a large rounded helmet-like head, segmented body, flaring lower limbs, and simplified features. The form relates broadly to Central African figure sculpture, including Luba, Hemba, Lega, and related traditions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its compact body and oversized head create a bold, frontal silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201811.png",
          "caption": "Central African Standing Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll106",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Standing Female Figure",
          "text": "This small standing female figure is carved from dark wood with a large rounded coiffure or head form, simplified face, exposed breasts, compact torso, and short legs. The figure relates broadly to Central African female figure traditions, possibly Luba or Hemba-related. Its reduced form emphasizes bodily presence and stillness."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201810.png",
          "caption": "Gourd or Container with Figural Stopper",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll107",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Gourd or Container with Figural Stopper",
          "text": "This gourd-form object or container combines a polished mottled globular vessel body with a small carved anthropomorphic figure attached at the top. Figural gourd and calabash containers occur in several East and Central African ceremonial, therapeutic, and personal-object traditions. The contrast between smooth vessel and carved figure gives the object a distinctive sculptural character."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201814.png",
          "caption": "Central African Prestige Knife and Sheath",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll108",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Prestige Knife and Sheath",
          "text": "This ceremonial or prestige knife with sheath includes a narrow blade or knife form, rounded or leaf-shaped sheath, carved handle, fiber or cord attachments, and worn surface. The object relates to Central African prestige weapon and insignia traditions. Its compact form suggests an object valued as much for social meaning as for function."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201812.png",
          "caption": "Composite Power Object or Amulet on Hide Backing",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll109",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Composite Power Object or Amulet on Hide Backing",
          "text": "This composite object or amulet is mounted on a rectangular hide or textile backing with fiber bindings, a small central carved figure or charm, cord loops, and attached organic and composite materials. The layered construction suggests a protective or spiritually significant object. Its materials create a concentrated surface of binding, attachment, and display."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201815.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Figural Rattle with Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll110",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Figural Rattle with Female Figure",
          "text": "This wooden rattle is composed of a carved female figure handle above three stacked hollow seed-pod or gourd-like resonators with small sound holes. The figure has an elongated torso, bent legs, carved breasts, incised abdominal motifs, and a dark polished surface. The form relates to Luba figural and divination rattles."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201816.png",
          "caption": "Dan-Style Face Mask with Cowrie and Fiber Attachments",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll111",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan-Style Face Mask with Cowrie and Fiber Attachments",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a dark oval face, high rounded forehead, narrow slit eyes, long vertical nose, small open mouth, and attached cloth, fiber, feather, button, and shell or disc ornaments. The smooth dark face recalls Dan-style masks from Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. The mixed attachments add texture, motion, and ceremonial presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201817.png",
          "caption": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Janus Power Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll112",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Yaka- or Suku-Style Janus Power Figure",
          "text": "This small seated Janus-style figure has two opposed heads sharing a compact body, bent knees, hands placed along the torso, and simplified facial features. Double-headed figures are known in Yaka and Suku-related western Congolese contexts, where paired faces can suggest power, spirit presence, or multiple directions of sight. The figure's compact form emphasizes duality."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201818.png",
          "caption": "Luba- or Hemba-Style Figural Rattle with Gourd Resonator",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll113",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba- or Hemba-Style Figural Rattle with Gourd Resonator",
          "text": "This wooden figural rattle has a carved human head and long neck rising above looped arms or openwork supports, attached to a rounded gourd-like resonator with vertical grooves and fiber bindings. The form relates to Central African figural, divination, and dance rattles, especially Luba or Hemba-related examples. Its openwork structure gives the object a lively profile."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201819.png",
          "caption": "Standing Power Figure with Bindings and Metal Inserts",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll114",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Power Figure with Bindings and Metal Inserts",
          "text": "This standing human figure has an elongated torso, rounded head, projecting facial features, arms held close to the sides, fiber bindings around the waist, and a vertical row of inserted metal or tack-like elements down the front. The additions and bindings relate to Central African power-object traditions. The figure's surface suggests both adornment and activation."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA201820.png",
          "caption": "Kongo- or Teke-Style Standing Power Figure with Wrapped Abdomen",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll115",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kongo- or Teke-Style Standing Power Figure with Wrapped Abdomen",
          "text": "This standing human figure has a dark polished surface, simplified face, rounded head, arms held to the sides, and cloth with red cord wrapping around the torso and base. The wrapped abdominal area draws attention to the body's center as a zone of covering, containment, or activation. Its form relates to Central African power-figure traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201501.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll116",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has two long forked arms and an anthropomorphic handle in the form of a standing figure with elongated head, narrow face, long neck, torso, and projecting abdomen. Figural slingshots are known in several West African traditions, including Baule and Lobi-associated examples. The object transforms a functional tool into a sculptural figure."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201502.png",
          "caption": "Seated Couple Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll117",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Seated Couple Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden sculpture shows two seated figures joined side by side on a shared base. The figures have simplified rounded heads, incised facial features, compact torsos, bent legs, and hands resting near the knees. The paired format suggests themes of relationship, alliance, lineage, or commemoration."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201503.png",
          "caption": "Kongo- or Teke-Style Power Figure with Abdominal Charge",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll118",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kongo- or Teke-Style Power Figure with Abdominal Charge",
          "text": "This carved wooden power figure has a large head, half-closed eyes, compact torso, attached cloth and hide or fur elements, blue beads at the base, and a cowrie-like element set into a circular abdominal packet or charge. The abdominal insertion and added materials relate to Central African nkisi or buti-type power figures. Its surface combines sculpture, wrapping, and material accumulation."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201504.png",
          "caption": "Standing Figure with Abdominal Cavities",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll119",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Figure with Abdominal Cavities",
          "text": "This small standing figure is mounted on a base and has an elongated neck, rounded head, simplified facial features, arms bent toward the torso, and two round abdominal cavities. The cavities may have held inserted materials, focusing attention on the body's center. The form relates broadly to Central African power-figure traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201505.png",
          "caption": "Seated Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll120",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Seated Female Figure",
          "text": "This seated female figure has a rounded head, compact torso, bent arms, hands held near the abdomen, short seated base, and traces of surface pigment or patina. The pose centers attention on the torso and hands. The figure suggests personal, maternity, ancestral, ceremonial, or spiritually significant imagery within a broad African figural tradition."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201506.png",
          "caption": "Standing Female Figure with Open Mouth",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll121",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Female Figure with Open Mouth",
          "text": "This standing female figure has a small base, elongated body, bent arms, hands held at the lower torso, carved breasts, rounded head, open mouth, and projecting ears. The compact proportions and torso-focused pose relate broadly to Central or West-Central African figural sculpture. Its direct frontal stance gives the figure a strong presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201507.png",
          "caption": "Baule-Style Seated Female Figure with Beads",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll122",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Baule-Style Seated Female Figure with Beads",
          "text": "This small seated female figure has a dark surface, rounded head, incised hairstyle or brow line, compact torso, arms resting close to the body, and a strand of blue and white beads around the waist or base. The composed pose and ornament relate to Baule or neighboring Cote d'Ivoire figural traditions. Its intimate scale suggests personal viewing or handling."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201508.png",
          "caption": "West African Oval Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll123",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Oval Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a rounded oval form, high forehead, circular eye openings, broad nose, small open mouth, and worn light and dark surface coloration. The facial proportions relate to West African mask traditions, possibly Dan or a neighboring forest-region group. The broad forehead and open eyes give the face a direct, attentive character."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201509.png",
          "caption": "Cowrie-Decorated Helmet Mask or Headdress",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll124",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Cowrie-Decorated Helmet Mask or Headdress",
          "text": "This carved wooden helmet-mask form has a rounded upper head, a front panel densely covered with rows of cowrie shells or shell-like rings, and lower vertical grooves suggesting a stylized mouth, beard, or pendant elements. Cowrie decoration appears in many West and Central African prestige and masquerade contexts. The shell-covered surface creates a rich visual texture associated with value and display."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201510.png",
          "caption": "Standing Female Figure with Crescent Coiffure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll125",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Female Figure with Crescent Coiffure",
          "text": "This slender standing female figure rises from a narrow pedestal base, with a long torso, arms held close to the sides, simplified facial features, and a high crescent- or wing-shaped coiffure. The stylized body suggests a personal, ancestral, or fertility-related figure. The dramatic coiffure gives the small sculpture an elegant silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201512.png",
          "caption": "Grebo- or Kru-Style Face Mask with Projecting Circular Eyes",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll126",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Grebo- or Kru-Style Face Mask with Projecting Circular Eyes",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a rounded head, projecting circular eye forms, angular nose and mouth area, and dark worn surface. The bold projecting eyes recall Grebo, Kru, and neighboring West African mask traditions from Liberia and southwestern Cote d'Ivoire. The mask's protruding features create a powerful frontal expression."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201514.png",
          "caption": "Figural Staff or Handle with Openwork Body",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll127",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Figural Staff or Handle with Openwork Body",
          "text": "This tall carved wooden object includes an elongated standing figure, narrow openwork body, long neck, open mouth with carved teeth, and a vertical staff-like extension or handle. The openwork body and attenuated figure relate to Central African staff, handle, or ritual-object traditions. Its vertical form suggests an object designed to be carried, displayed, or held upright."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201513.png",
          "caption": "Standing Female Figure with Elaborate Coiffure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll128",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Female Figure with Elaborate Coiffure",
          "text": "This standing female figure has a broad flaring coiffure or headdress, elongated textured torso, bent arms, hands near the abdomen, and circular base. The figure may relate to personal, ancestral, fertility-related, or prestige sculpture. Its flaring head form and textured body create a distinctive vertical rhythm."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201516.png",
          "caption": "Dan- or Mano-Style Long-Beaked Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll129",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan- or Mano-Style Long-Beaked Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden mask has a helmet-like head and a long curved beak-like projection extending downward. The elongated beak suggests a hornbill or bird-related masquerade form comparable to Dan, Mano, Mau, and neighboring West African forest-region masks. Its sweeping profile gives the object a dramatic animal presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201515.png",
          "caption": "Standing Female Figure with Encrusted Surface",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll130",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Female Figure with Encrusted Surface",
          "text": "This standing female figure has an elongated neck, pointed or crested head, small breasts, hands held near the abdomen, short legs, and a worn encrusted surface. The compact standing form and weathered patina relate broadly to Central or West-Central African figural traditions. Its restrained pose creates a quiet sculptural presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201518.png",
          "caption": "Bamana Ci Wara-Style Antelope Headdress",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll131",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Bamana Ci Wara-Style Antelope Headdress",
          "text": "This carved wooden headdress or crest has an arched openwork base, projecting antelope-like forms, a long upward horn-like element, and a small standing figure mounted above the central arch. The antelope and openwork structure relate to Bamana Ci Wara headdresses from Mali. The combination of animal form, human figure, and sweeping vertical line creates a dynamic ceremonial silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201517.png",
          "caption": "Double Figural Slingshot",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll132",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Double Figural Slingshot",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has two upright fork arms and a handle formed by two standing human figures joined side by side. Each figure has simplified facial features and compact proportions. Figural slingshots are known from several West African traditions, including Baule and Lobi-associated examples, where useful objects could become sculptural forms."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201521.png",
          "caption": "Guro- or Yaure-Style Face Mask with Crest",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll133",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Guro- or Yaure-Style Face Mask with Crest",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a smooth oval face, half-closed slit eyes, small pursed mouth, central forehead ridge, and elaborate crest with side projections. The refined face and crest arrangement relate to Guro, Yaure, and related Cote d'Ivoire masking traditions. The mask balances calm facial modeling with an animated upper silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201522.png",
          "caption": "Kota-Style Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll134",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kota-Style Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu Type)",
          "text": "This wooden reliquary guardian figure has a large oval face, crescent-shaped upper crest, side projections, central neck, and open diamond-shaped lower body. The composition recalls Kota mbulu ngulu reliquary guardian figures from Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. Its gleaming, frontal form evokes the protective presence of ancestral reliquary sculpture."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201523.png",
          "caption": "Makonde-Style Ujamaa or Tree-of-Life Figural Sculpture",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll135",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Makonde-Style Ujamaa or Tree-of-Life Figural Sculpture",
          "text": "This carved wooden sculpture is composed of multiple interlocking human figures rising from a shared base. The repeated elongated bodies and heads form a clustered vertical composition. The work resembles Makonde ujamaa, or Tree of Life, carving traditions from Tanzania and Mozambique, where linked figures can suggest kinship, community, and continuity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201524.png",
          "caption": "Composite Power Object with Metal Studs and Fiber",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll136",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Composite Power Object with Metal Studs and Fiber",
          "text": "This narrow composite object has a carved wooden body, rows of inserted metal tacks or studs, fiber or hair-like material at the top, and a rounded lower end. The added materials suggest a protective or spiritually significant object from Central or West-Central Africa. Its studded surface creates a dense, tactile field."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201525.png",
          "caption": "Geometric Mask or Figural Panel with Superstructure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll137",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Geometric Mask or Figural Panel with Superstructure",
          "text": "This carved wooden mask-like object or figural panel has a small lower face or body, bold black-and-white geometric painting, and an openwork rectangular superstructure above. The angular design relates broadly to Central African visual traditions, including Songye or Luba-related forms. The combination of painted geometry and openwork gives the object a striking graphic presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201526.png",
          "caption": "Kota-Style Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu Type)",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll138",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kota-Style Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu Type)",
          "text": "This wooden reliquary guardian figure has an oval metal-faced head, broad side panels, crescent-like crest, pendant side elements, and open diamond-shaped lower body. The form closely recalls Kota mbulu ngulu reliquary guardian figures from Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. Such figures were traditionally associated with ancestral reliquary bundles and guardian presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201527.png",
          "caption": "Kasai-Region Style Face Mask with Projecting Eyes",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll139",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kasai-Region Style Face Mask with Projecting Eyes",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a rounded form, large projecting circular eyes, long triangular nose, open angular mouth, and painted or incised geometric surface patterning. The features relate to Kasai-region and related Central African masking traditions. Its projecting eyes and patterned surface create a bold, animated face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201528.png",
          "caption": "Luba-Style Caryatid Figure or Headrest Support",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll140",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba-Style Caryatid Figure or Headrest Support",
          "text": "This carved wooden figural support has an elongated ridged face, central crest, bent arms, and a rounded central form held against the torso. The composition suggests a caryatid support, headrest element, or related prestige carving in a Central African, possibly Luba-related, style. The figure's body appears to serve both sculptural and supportive purposes."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201529.png",
          "caption": "Mangbetu-Style Ceremonial Sickle Knife with Figural Handle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll141",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Mangbetu-Style Ceremonial Sickle Knife with Figural Handle",
          "text": "This curved sickle-form knife or prestige implement has a dark blade or sheath-like body and a carved figural handle. The handle includes a small human head framed by two upward-curving projections. The form relates to Mangbetu and northeastern Congolese prestige knives, where sculptural handles and distinctive blades could signal status and ceremony."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201530.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll142",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has two forked arms forming the sling supports and a simplified anthropomorphic body as the handle. The compact body, long forked supports, and worn surface relate to African figural slingshots found in several West African traditions. Its practical form is transformed through the human figure."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201531.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll143",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has forked supports and a female anthropomorphic handle with a rounded head, breasts, and projecting abdomen. Figural slingshots are associated with several West African carving traditions, including Baule and Lobi examples. The object turns a handheld implement into a sculptural female form."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201532.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Torso",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll144",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Torso",
          "text": "This carved wooden figural slingshot has two forked supports and a stylized female torso marked by breasts and a projecting abdomen. The form relates to West African figural slingshots, especially Baule or Lobi-associated examples. Its simplified body and worn surface suggest an object designed for both use and display."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201533.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll145",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot with Female Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has a female anthropomorphic handle with rounded head, small breasts, projecting abdomen, and two long forked legs or sling supports. The object belongs to the broad category of West African figural slingshots. Its compact figure and elongated fork create a strong visual rhythm."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201534.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll146",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has an elongated anthropomorphic body, rounded head, long forked legs or sling arms, and worn dark patina. The form relates broadly to West African figural slingshots, including Baule and Lobi-associated examples. Its attenuated body makes the tool read as a small standing figure."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201535.png",
          "caption": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll147",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "West African Figural Slingshot",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot has an anthropomorphic handle, elongated body, rounded head, bent arm, and two long forked legs forming the sling supports. The object relates to West African figural slingshots, especially Baule or Lobi-associated examples. Its asymmetrical arm and worn surface give the handle a lively sculptural presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_COLL148.png",
          "caption": "Grassfields-Style Button-Covered Masquerade Headdress",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll148",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Grassfields-Style Button-Covered Masquerade Headdress",
          "text": "This conical fiber or textile headdress is densely covered with sewn buttons and topped with bound twig-like projections. The form relates to masquerade and prestige costume elements from the Cameroon Grassfields region, including Bamileke-related traditions. The buttoned surface catches light in a way that recalls the visual richness of beadwork."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_TC201511.png",
          "caption": "Mumuye-Style Standing Figure with Tall Crest",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll149",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Mumuye-Style Standing Figure with Tall Crest",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing figure rises from an integral base with compact bent legs, elongated torso, block-like shoulders, long neck, and tall helmet-like head or crest. The abstraction, verticality, and carved-away arm areas relate to Mumuye figure sculpture from Nigeria. The object's attenuated form creates a strong architectural silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202201.png",
          "caption": "Central African Maternity Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll150",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Central African Maternity Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden maternity figure has a large head, seated or kneeling posture, bent arms, geometric torso patterning, and a small child held at the front. The subject evokes maternity, lineage, ancestry, and protection within a Central African sculptural idiom. The close placement of mother and child emphasizes continuity and care."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202202.png",
          "caption": "Teke- or Kongo-Style Power Figure with Beads and Abdominal Cavity",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll151",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Teke- or Kongo-Style Power Figure with Beads and Abdominal Cavity",
          "text": "This small carved wooden figure has a rounded head, metal earrings or wire attachments, bead necklace, and circular abdominal cavity or charge area. The abdominal feature and ornaments relate to Central African power figures, especially Teke buti and Kongo nkisi-related forms. The figure's compact body concentrates attention on the charged center."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202203.png",
          "caption": "Teke- or Kongo-Style Power Figure with Abdominal Charge",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll152",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Teke- or Kongo-Style Power Figure with Abdominal Charge",
          "text": "This small standing figure has a rounded head, short arms, earring-like metal attachments, and a circular abdominal charge or insert. The visible abdominal element relates to Central African power figures such as Teke buti and Kongo nkisi traditions. The figure's simple body is animated by its ornaments and central cavity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202204.png",
          "caption": "Painted Face Mask with Rectangular Eyes",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll153",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Painted Face Mask with Rectangular Eyes",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a pointed oval outline, rectangular eye openings, pronounced central ridge, open rectangular mouth with teeth, and red, white, and dark painted surface. The mask is described through its visible features, which combine sharp geometry with strong color contrast. Its direct gaze and tooth-baring mouth create an expressive public face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202205.png",
          "caption": "Fang Ngil-Style White Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll154",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Fang Ngil-Style White Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a pale white surface, elongated oval face, small slit eyes, long narrow nose, and open mouth. The white pigment and elongated facial type relate to Fang Ngil masks from Gabon and neighboring areas. Its spare features create a solemn, elongated presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202206.png",
          "caption": "Pende-Style Oval Face Mask with Teeth",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll155",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Pende-Style Oval Face Mask with Teeth",
          "text": "This carved wooden oval face mask has half-closed eyes, long narrow nose, incised surface patterning, and an open mouth with projecting teeth. The facial proportions and expressive mouth relate to Pende and neighboring Central African mask forms. Its combination of calm eyes and exposed teeth gives the mask a vivid expression."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202207.png",
          "caption": "Kifwebe-Style Face Mask with Figural Crest",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll156",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kifwebe-Style Face Mask with Figural Crest",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a vertical central ridge, long nose, striated cheek and brow panels, protruding rectangular mouth, and a small figural or crest element above the head. The ridged and striated facial design relates to Songye and Luba kifwebe masking traditions. The crest and projecting mouth add sculptural complexity to the face."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202208.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Small Mask or Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll157",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Small Mask or Maskette with Raffia Beard",
          "text": "This small wooden mask or maskette has a heart-shaped concave face, central ridge, slit eyes, traces of light pigment, and a long raffia or fiber beard. The form relates to Lega Bwami mask traditions. Its pale face and fiber beard create a strong contrast between smooth surface and textured attachment."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202209.png",
          "caption": "Mumuye-Style Standing Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll158",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Mumuye-Style Standing Figure",
          "text": "This standing wooden figure has an elongated head and neck, open looped arms surrounding the torso, bent legs, and a block base. The openwork arms and attenuated body relate to Mumuye-style figure sculpture from Nigeria. Its vertical structure gives the body a light, architectural quality."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202210.png",
          "caption": "Baule-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll159",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Baule-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "text": "This standing female figure has an oval face, high coiffure, long neck, pendant breasts, bent arms, compact legs, and a small base. The balanced pose and idealized body relate to Baule waka sran and spirit-spouse figures. Its refined silhouette suggests beauty, composure, and personal presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202211.png",
          "caption": "Small Standing Figure with Abdominal Element",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll160",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Small Standing Figure with Abdominal Element",
          "text": "This small standing figure has a stylized head, compact torso, separated arms, short legs, and a projecting abdominal or central body element. The central feature relates to Central African charm and power-figure traditions, including Kongo or Teke-related forms. The figure's compact body emphasizes the abdomen as a focal point."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202212.png",
          "caption": "Painted Oval Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll161",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Painted Oval Face Mask",
          "text": "This painted wooden face mask has slit eyes, a long nose, open mouth, and red, black, pale, and blue-green linear decoration. The painted bands enliven the oval face and emphasize its vertical structure. The mask is presented here as a visually distinctive masquerade face with a broad Central or West-Central African resonance."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202213.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe-Style Pwo Face Mask with Fiber Coiffure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll162",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe-Style Pwo Face Mask with Fiber Coiffure",
          "text": "This carved wooden female face mask has refined closed or downcast eyes, delicate nose and mouth, incised scarification-like motifs, dark patina, and attached fiber coiffure or costume elements. The form relates strongly to Chokwe and related pwo or mwana pwo masks from Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its composed face presents an ideal of beauty and dignity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202214.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Dotted Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll163",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Dotted Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a pale surface, small eye openings, long central nose, small open mouth with notched lip or tooth detail, and dotted perforations or incised marks across the forehead and cheeks. The restrained pale face and dotted markings relate to Lega and related eastern Congolese mask traditions. Its quiet geometry gives the face a contemplative character."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202215.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Small Face Mask with Raffia Fringe",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll164",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Small Face Mask with Raffia Fringe",
          "text": "This small carved wooden face mask has a pale facial surface, dark central nose, narrow eyes, red linear markings, small mouth, and surrounding raffia or plant-fiber fringe. The form and fiber surround relate to Lega lukwakongo and related Bwami-associated masks. Its compact face is enlivened by the contrast of pigment and fiber."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202216.png",
          "caption": "Mangbetu-Style Trumbash Sickle Knife",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll165",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Mangbetu-Style Trumbash Sickle Knife",
          "text": "This curved iron sickle knife or ceremonial blade has a dark forged blade, pierced openings near the blade base, and a carved wooden handle. The crescent-like blade and handle form relate to Mangbetu trumbash or trombash prestige knives from northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The object combines metalwork and carving in a dramatic ceremonial silhouette."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202217.png",
          "caption": "Zoomorphic Carved Staff or Handle",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll166",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Zoomorphic Carved Staff or Handle",
          "text": "This long slender carved wooden object has an animal- or reptile-like body, pointed head, and tapering form. It may have served as a staff, handle, scepter, prestige object, or decorative zoomorphic carving. Its elongated animal form relates broadly to West and Central African traditions in which zoomorphic imagery marks power, movement, or identity."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202218.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Oval Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll167",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Oval Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden oval mask has a pale worn surface, long central ridge or nose, small slit eyes, incised hairline or brow band, small mouth, and dark border. The restrained abstract features relate to Lega and related eastern Congolese mask traditions. Its weathered surface and reduced face create a quiet, meditative presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202219.png",
          "caption": "Dan-We or Kran-Style Horned Face Mask with Raffia",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll168",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan-We or Kran-Style Horned Face Mask with Raffia",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a long narrow nose, half-closed slit eyes, projecting mouth, forked horn-like projections, dark patina, and attached raffia or plant fiber. The form relates to West African forest-region masks associated with Dan, We/Guere, Kran, and related groups. The projecting elements give the mask a dramatic, animated profile."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202220.png",
          "caption": "Face Mask with Studded Forehead",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll169",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Face Mask with Studded Forehead",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has an oval face, long central nose, small slit eyes, open mouth with visible teeth, red and dark facial pigment, and a forehead covered with rows of applied studs or tacks. The studded surface adds texture and visual intensity. The mask relates broadly to Central or West-Central African masquerade traditions."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202221.png",
          "caption": "Luba- or Central African-Style Headrest or Carved Support",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll170",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Luba- or Central African-Style Headrest or Carved Support",
          "text": "This rectangular carved wooden support has a long flat upper platform and stylized face motifs at both ends. The form suggests a headrest, neckrest, or carved support rather than a flat panel. Its structure relates broadly to Central African headrests, including Luba and Luba-related traditions, where supports could combine function, prestige, and sculpture."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202222.png",
          "caption": "Curved Horn or Tusk-Form Implement with Figural Head",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll171",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Curved Horn or Tusk-Form Implement with Figural Head",
          "text": "This curved horn- or tusk-form implement has a small carved human head at one end and a long tapering body. The material may be horn, ivory, bone, or carved wood, and the form suggests a handle, prestige implement, ceremonial object, or decorative carving. The pairing of figural head and curved body creates a distinctive sculptural object."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202223.png",
          "caption": "Lega-Style Lukwakongo Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll172",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Lega-Style Lukwakongo Mask with Fiber Beard",
          "text": "This carved wooden mask has an oval or heart-shaped pale face, long narrow nose, small slit eyes, small mouth, darker brow and border, and attached fiber or raffia beard. These features relate to Lega lukwakongo and Bwami-associated masks from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pale face and textured beard create a strong contrast of surface and material."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202224.png",
          "caption": "Guro- or Yaure-Style Crested Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll173",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Guro- or Yaure-Style Crested Mask",
          "text": "This carved and painted wooden mask, shown in profile, has a projecting mouth, strong nose, dark face, and tall abstract crest painted in red, pale, and dark tones. The dramatic crest and polychrome surface relate to Guro and Yaure-related mask traditions of Cote d'Ivoire. Its profile emphasizes movement, height, and theatrical presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202225.png",
          "caption": "Seated Mother-and-Child Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll174",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Seated Mother-and-Child Figure",
          "text": "This seated female figure holds or nurses a small child at the front of the torso. The figure has a rounded head with cap-like coiffure or head covering, incised hairline, calm features, bent arms, seated pose, and circular base. The mother-and-child subject emphasizes nurture, continuity, and family or lineage connection."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202226.png",
          "caption": "Namji-Style Fertility Doll with Beaded Face",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll175",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Namji-Style Fertility Doll with Beaded Face",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing doll-like figure has a large rounded head, a bead row running vertically down the face, raised eyes, triangular light-colored mouth element, elongated torso, arms held close to the body, bent legs, and worn dark patina. The geometric form and bead or metal embellishment relate to Namji, Namchi, or Dowayo fertility dolls from northern Cameroon. Its compact body and ornamented face create a striking personal object."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202227.png",
          "caption": "Decorated Calabash Vessel with Coiled Lid",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll176",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Decorated Calabash Vessel with Coiled Lid",
          "text": "This large calabash or gourd vessel has a rounded lower body, narrow neck, darkened surface, incised shoulder bands, applied light-colored shell or cutout ornaments, and a fitted coiled fiber lid with blue and natural concentric bands. The vessel was likely used or displayed as a container. Its decorated surface and fitted lid give it a refined domestic or ceremonial presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202228.png",
          "caption": "Kifwebe-Style Face Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll177",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Kifwebe-Style Face Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has pale pigment, an elongated oval face, long central nose or crest, narrow slit eyes, projecting rectangular mouth, and small projecting ears. The features relate to kifwebe masks associated with Songye and Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pale face and projecting forms create a forceful geometric expression."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202229.png",
          "caption": "Namji-Style Fertility Doll with Bead Ornaments",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll178",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Namji-Style Fertility Doll with Bead Ornaments",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing doll-like figure has an elongated geometric body, rounded head, ridged central coiffure or head form, small arms at the sides, projecting navel or abdominal element, and bead ornaments at the ears and neck. The form and embellishment relate strongly to Namji, Namchi, or Dowayo fertility dolls from northern Cameroon. Its ornamented body suggests personal significance and protective presence."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202230.png",
          "caption": "Seated Colon Figure with Brimmed Hat",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll179",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Seated Colon Figure with Brimmed Hat",
          "text": "This carved and painted seated male figure wears a brimmed hat and has simplified facial features, projecting ears, pale painted clothing or body surface, and legs integrated into a chair-like base. The object belongs to the broad African colon-figure genre, which often depicts colonial officials, Europeanized Africans, or contemporary social types in painted wood. Its seated posture and clothing mark it as a social portrait type."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202231.png",
          "caption": "Baule-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll180",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Baule-Style Standing Female Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing female figure has an elongated body, long arms held close to the sides, downcast eyes, small mouth, high crested coiffure, facial scarification, small breasts, and worn dark patina. These features relate closely to Baule female figures and spirit-spouse figures from Cote d'Ivoire. The figure's elegant vertical form conveys composure and idealized beauty."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202232.png",
          "caption": "Seated Female Figure with Abdominal Cavity",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll181",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Seated Female Figure with Abdominal Cavity",
          "text": "This small seated female figure has a rounded head, raised eyes, open mouth, breasts, hands at the abdomen, bent legs, and a circular cavity or missing inset at the belly. The abdominal cavity relates to Central African figures that held inserted materials, including Kongo or Teke-related power-object traditions. The figure's pose centers attention on the body as a place of meaning."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202233.png",
          "caption": "Standing Figure with Diagonal Sash or Wrapped Torso",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll182",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Standing Figure with Diagonal Sash or Wrapped Torso",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing figure has an elongated neck, rounded head, dark glossy face, pale highlighted facial features, small ears, and a rectangular upper body crossed by a raised diagonal sash or wrap. The lower body tapers into a long support or skirt-like form. The object relates broadly to Central or West-Central African figural sculpture."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202234.png",
          "caption": "Pair of Kuba-Style Figural Palm-Wine Cups",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll183",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Pair of Kuba-Style Figural Palm-Wine Cups",
          "text": "This pair of carved wooden cups has deep rounded bowls, pedestal bases, worn polished interiors, and projecting human-head or figural handles. The form relates to Kuba and Kuba-influenced palm-wine or prestige cups from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The figural handles transform the vessels into objects of status and display."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202235.png",
          "caption": "Fish-Form Carved Wooden Object",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll184",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Fish-Form Carved Wooden Object",
          "text": "This elongated carved wooden object takes the form of a fish or aquatic animal, with a tapered tail or blade-like extension, rounded head, small inlaid or painted eye, and worn brown surface. Fish-form carving and aquatic imagery appear in multiple West and Central African traditions. The streamlined body gives the object a sense of movement."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202236.png",
          "caption": "Chokwe-Style Mother-and-Child Figure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll185",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Chokwe-Style Mother-and-Child Figure",
          "text": "This carved wooden standing female figure holds a small child against the torso. The figure has a tall crest-like coiffure, arched brows, heavy-lidded eyes, facial scarification, ringed neck, broad feet, and a dark worn patina. The mother-and-child subject and style relate to Chokwe and related Central African maternity figures, emphasizing continuity and care."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202237.png",
          "caption": "Dan-Style Face Mask with Fiber Coiffure",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll186",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Dan-Style Face Mask with Fiber Coiffure",
          "text": "This carved wooden oval mask has a high smooth forehead, large circular eye openings, arched brow ridge, long nose, slightly open protruding mouth, and braided or twisted fiber coiffure along the top and sides. The form relates most closely to Dan-style masks from Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. Its polished face and fiber coiffure create a vivid contrast of materials."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202238.png",
          "caption": "Pende-Style Mbuya Cap Mask",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll187",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Pende-Style Mbuya Cap Mask",
          "text": "This carved wooden face mask has a broad rounded forehead, heavy downcast eyelids, long nose, open mouth, projecting ears, pointed chin, and cap-like coiffure with incised crosshatch and horizontal bands. The features relate closely to Pende mbuya and cap-mask traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its dramatic face combines refinement with expressive force."
        }
      },{
        "media": {
          "url": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/africanart/assets/thumbs/JSU_africanart_JA202239.png",
          "caption": "Figural Slingshot Handle with Twin Figures",
          "link": "https://jsumsart.github.io/africanart/item.html?id=coll188",
          "credit": "Jackson State University African Art Collection"
        },
        "start_date": {
          "year": "1900"
        },
        "text": {
          "headline": "Figural Slingshot Handle with Twin Figures",
          "text": "This carved wooden slingshot or catapult handle has a fork formed by two elongated human figures standing back-to-back or side by side on a shared handle. The object has a worn surface, simplified limbs, prominent ears, and crest-like head forms. As a West African figural slingshot, it transforms a handheld implement into a sculptural image of paired bodies."
        }
      }
    ]
}