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Where in the World
Test your knowledge and discover more about the objects and where they originally come from.
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Many objects at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery come from different parts of the world. Use the information and images to try to identify where in the world the object originally came from.

Object 1:

Zoological medal

This is a silver zoological medal dating from 1826. Where do you think it comes from?

  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Canada

Object 2:

Carved Figure

This carved figure may have been an architectual support in a house. Where do you think it comes from?

  • South America
  • Canada
  • Egypt

Object 3:

Ivory netsuke

This object is called a Netsuke and is made from ivory, it dates from 1860-1900. Where do you think it comes from?

  • United Kingdom
  • India
  • Japan

Object 4:

Chancay doll

This doll is made of sticks and spindles. They have been found in graves to help serve the dead. Where do you think it comes from?

  • South America
  • Canada
  • Africa

Object 5:

Shabti figure

This figure is carved from wood and then covered in plaster. It was used as the lid for a box. Where do you think it comes from?

  • Africa
  • Egypt
  • Mexico

Object 6:

Coral amulet

This is an amulet, it is carved out of coral and has a metal band around the wrist. Where do you think it comes from?

  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan

Object 7:

Mask

This mask was made by the Fang people. It represents spiritual ancestors. Where do you think it comes from?

  • Africa
  • India
  • South America

Answers:
Question 1: United Kingdom - this silver medal commemorates the Zoological Society of London, 1826.
Question 2: Canada - this sculpture is from the Kwakiutl people of British Columbia, it is a kneeling figure holding a mask to its face, 1910-25.
Question 3: Japan - this is a netsuke from Japan, it shows a mask carver carving the back of a mask with a chisel, the mask is held between his feet.
Question 4: South America- this is a Chancay doll from Peru, South America. It dates from AD 1000 - AD 1400.
Question 5: Egypt - this is a Shabti box lid in the shape of a hawk. In ancient Egypt the hawk symbolised the sky god Horus.
Question 6: Italy - this is an amulet from Abruzzi, Italy. It dates from 1900-1930 and it is suppose to ward off the evil eye.
Question 7: Africa - this is a wooden face mask from Africa. It would have had a long grass fringe to cover the body of the dancer who was wearing it.

 
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