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Robert Glew
The objects I collected in Zinder, Niger, signify the importance of Islamic culture in this society. As a graduate student at Michigan State University I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study African art with Ray Silverman. As a result of working with Ray, I came to realize the importance of careful and thorough research that, when possible, should accompany the collection of objects in the field. Thus, while collecting these objects, I paid special attention to their producers. In addition to collecting these artifacts, I was interested in documenting how the objects were made. In doing this I considered a number of questions. What are the qualities of the objects which make them aesthetically appealing to people in Zinder? How do the artists and artisans acquire their skills and knowledge? What are the characteristics and qualities which make a person a "professional" or highly skilled creator of a particular type of object? What are the preferred types of materials used to make the objects? And finally, what is the significance of these objects in Zinder society? Acquiring answers to these questions allows for a fuller understanding of objects and the people who make and use them.
The objects on display include a wooden writing tablet (allo), a silver amulet case (shirot) and a silver ring (tazbit). The writing tablet is used by students as they learn the Qur'an and other religious texts. The ink, made from charcoal and gum arabic, can be washed away. The silver amulet case contains a piece of paper inscribed with a specially selected religious text. Worn around the neck, this amulet is intended to bring good fortune. Similarly, the ring is inscribed with a religious text that assures the wearer good fortune. These objects, in many respects, express the character of Islam in Zinder, and are found in many Muslim societies in West Africa.
Collector / Donor Statements
Virginia Artis . Nancy and George Axinn . Marsha MacDowell and Kurt Dewhurst . James Ellison . Robert Glew . Suzanne Miers . Simon Ottenberg . Barbara Porter-Spaulding . Raymond Silverman . Neal Sobania . Robert Zigler
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