colour scheme
Catalogue of the de Carvalho collection
The catalogue has been organised in the following manner: object type/name, provenance, description, followed by its accession number.
BASKET
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Basket made quickly by men in the forest. Made of babaçu palm fibre and envira bark, it may be used for carrying large quantities of wood, manioc, fruit, or an animal killed on the hunt. Lightweight baskets are ideal containers for use by gatherers and hunters. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/1
TOY
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Toy made from plaited straw. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region.
105/2003/10
TOY TURTLE TAIL
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
A toy turtle tail made from babaÇu palm leaf. The tail curls when the string is pulled. Collected in 2003. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region.
105/2003/11
TOY TURTLE
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Toy turtle made from two shades of buriti palm fibre. The toy is suspended from a fibre loop. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/12
TOY TURTLE
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Toy turtle made from two shades of buriti palm fibre. The toy is suspended from a fibre loop. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/13
TOY TURTLE
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Toy turtle made of buriti palm fibre. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/14
BASKET
Xavante, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Oval basket of buriti palm fibre, dyed with buriti. Such baskets are used as ‘jewellery' boxes by both men and women, for storing delicate items of personal adornment as well as combs and body-paint. Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/15
RATTLE
Waimiri, Amazon region, Brazil
Black and white woven rattle of arumã fibre. The geometric patterns recall reptile skins, a familiar pattern in the rainforest. Within the Waimiri community this type of rattle is used in a ritual called maryba. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/16
SIEVE or DISH
Wai-wai, Pará, Amazon region, Brazil
A small, shallow, square basket used as a sieve for manioc. This basket, made by men and used by women, is also used as a dish for serving beju, a bread-like manioc product eaten with fish. Starchy manioc or cassava is the staple diet in the Amazon. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/17
SIEVE or DISH
Wai-wai, Pará, Amazon region, Brazil
A shallow, square basketry sieve or dish woven, from Aruma (Ischnosiphon spp.) with the edges reinforced with cotton thread stitching. This basket, made by men and used by women, may be used as a strainer or to carry palm-fruit. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/18
BASKET
Waimiri-Atraori, Amazon region, Brazil
A square-based, basketry tray, which may have been used to sieve for manioc flour. Cassava or manioc roots are the staple diet in the Amazon region but much preparation is required before consumption. The basket's geometric designs recall the patterns on reptile skins, a familiar sight in the rainforest.
105/2003/19
HAT
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Modern hat made from buriti palm fibre and silk from buriti. The style appears to be modelled on the hats worn by Brazilian farm workers. Wearing European-style hats may have been a sign of social and geographical mobility since the sixteenth century. Some were obtained through trade. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/2
BASKET
Waura, Amazon region, Brazil
A tall, cylindrical basket with a square base, narrow waist and circular rim. The basket is woven in dark and light stripes, recalling reptile skin, and has tassels and a long carrying strap, probably made from cotton. Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather.
105/2003/20
NECKLACE
Kalapalo, Amazon region, Brazil
Necklace made from pink, white and black shell discs, threaded on cotton thread. Shell discs are sometimes made from river mussels.
105/2003/21
BASKET
Wapalay, Amazon region, Brazil
A round basket with a square base and circular rim. The geometric and representational designs are woven in two colours, from dark and light strips of plant material, recalling the patterns on reptile skin. Baskets, made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather.
105/2003/22
HAMMOCK
Kamayura, Amazon region, Brazil
Hammock woven from two shades of fine plant fibre string, with a suspension loop at each end. Hammocks are hung from posts inside houses. They are at the centre of the cycle of life. Conception, birth and illness take place in them, and the dead are buried in their hammocks.
105/2003/23
BASKET
Kayapo, Pará, Amazon region, Brazil
A temporary or disposable burden basket woven from buriti fibre strips (from the second stage of processing) with a strap of envira inner bark from the second stage of processing. Baskets, usually made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/24
BASKET
Waurá, Xingu National Park, Brazil
A basket made from arumã fibre and cotton, with designs of dyed urucum and genipapo. Genipapo is a large fruit that is also processed to use for body paint. Baskets, usually made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/25
SMALL TWINED BAG
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Small bag made from buriti palm fibre extracted in the second and third splits. It is open spaced weft twining with a plaited cordage strap. The dark brown colour is achieved by dyeing the fibre with genipapo (Genipa americana). Collected in 2003.
105/2003/26
BABAÇU LEAVES
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Two leaves of babaÇu palm (Orbignia martiana). This is used to make baskets and basketry items such as toys. Baskets, usually made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/27
BURITI PALM FIBRE SAMPLE
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
This fibre is extracted in the fourth split and is only used by the Karajá people. It is used as coil bundles in coiled baskets. Other groups leave this fibre unsplit which gives it greater strength. Baskets, usually made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/28
FIBRE SAMPLES (ENVIRA)
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
These samples show seven stages of processing envira (Guatteria sp.). The first is a piece of tightly coiled bark. The second is a piece of opened bark showing the inner bark at both ends. The third and fourth pieces are the inner bark. Inner bark is used to bind arrows.
105/2003/29
WAIST ORNAMENT
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Belt of woven buriti palm fibre and feathers. The patterning on the band is of the same fibre dyed with genipapo. Birds and feathers have mythical significance for Amazonian people. The white chicken feathers and spotted guinea fowl feathers are detachable from the band. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/3
BASKET
Waura, Amazon region, Brazil
A shallow basket with a square base and circular rim. The basket is woven in a zig-zag pattern with dark and light strips of plant material, and has a tassel at each corner, probably cotton. Baskets, traditionally made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile forest people.
105/2003/30
BASKET
Waimiri-Atroari, Amazon region, Brazil
Baskets, traditionally made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. The geometric designs recall the patterns on reptile skin, a familiar sight in the rainforest.
105/2003/31
SAMPLE
Amazon region, Brazil
Four samples of cipo bark. Three of the samples are cut but untreated. The fourth sample has been shaped into a spiral and coated with resin, and would be used for binding arrow shafts and other artefacts.
105/2003/32
SIEVE
Waura, Amazon region, Brazil
This shallow, circular basket was probably used for sieving cassava or manioc flour, the staple diet of the Amazon region. The underside of the sieve is woven with a geometric pattern in red and black strips of plant material. The designs recall reptile skin, a familiar sight in the rainforest.
105/2003/33
SIEVE
Mehinako, Amazon region, Brazil
This shallow, circular sieve is more loosely woven than 105/2003/33. It is decorated near the hand-grip areas with fine blue string. It may have been intended for sieving cassava or manioc flour, the Amazon peoples' staple diet. Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by people who gather and hunt.
105/2003/34
BASKET
Yanomami, Amazon region, Brazil
Baskets, traditionally made by men, are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who gather and hunt. The geometric designs recall the patterns on reptile skin, a familiar sight in the rainforest.
105/2003/35
FAN
Waimiri-Atroari, Amazon region, Brazil
A basketry fan with a pair of plaited handles. Fans such as this would be used for fanning fires. This fan was made for sale to outsiders, and the commercial label is still attached.
105/2003/36
SAMPLE
Karaja, Aruanã-Goias, Central Brazil
A bundle of strings, made from the silky plant fibre buriti. Each string is plied, then tied with a knot to secure each end.
105/2003/37
COMB
Kuikuru, Xingu National Park, Brazil
This comb has a tucum wood frame and teeth, bound together with geometric designs woven with cotton threads. The red dye in the patterned weave is from urucum. Each end of the frame is carved with a fish. Combs are used to both style and ornament hair. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/4
COMB
Kuikuru, Xingu National Park, Brazil
This comb has a tucum wood frame and teeth, bound together with geometric designs woven with cotton threads. Combs are used to both style and ornament hair, which Amazonian people believe to be a source of power and vitality. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/5
NECKLACE
Kayabi, Xingu National Park, Brazil
Necklace decorated with small armadillos (tatu), made of coconut shell from the tucum palm. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/6
BASKET
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Oval, sewn basket made of babaçu fibre. It is used by both men and women to store feathers, necklaces, combs and other delicate items. Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/7
HANGING TOY
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Hanging toy in the form of a bird. Made from Babaçu fibre as toy for Karajá children, as well as for sale. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/8
HANGING TOY
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
[
Made from Babaçu fibre as toy for Karajá children, as well as for sale. Toys like this are common in many areas of the Amazon region. Collected in 2003.
105/2003/9
BASKET
Amazon region, Brazil
Hexagonal open-weave basketry back-pack, with a pair of shoulder-straps made from bark. Such baskets may be used for carrying foodstuffs or firewood. Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather.
128/2000/9
NECKLACE
Amazon region, Brazil
A necklace of smaller black and larger red seeds, threaded alternately. Two larger grey beans at front of necklace, and row of small black seeds at each end.
161/2004
URUCUM SEED CASES
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Sample of dried urucum seed (Bixa orellana) cases. Urucum is used as a pigment, its colour ranging from orange to deep red, for body painting and decorating objects. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/1
BASKET
Karajá, Tocantins, Brazil
A shallow, circular basket made from buriti palm fibre. The coil bundles are made from green stiff fibre and the sewing element from soft fibre. Coiled base with split stitch and coiled ring start, and coiled sides taper to finish. Coiled basketry is unique to the Americas. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/10
EAR ORNAMENTS
Kuikuru, Brazil
A pair of brightly coloured ear ornaments, each consisting of three bands of feathers, in red, yellow and black, bound to a stick which is inserted through the ear-lobe. Amazonian men wear feather ornaments and identify with mythical birds during ceremonial dances. These feathers are probably toucan.
4/2001/11
EAR ORNAMENTS
Kuikuru, Brazil
A pair of brightly coloured ear ornaments, each consisting of three bands of feathers, in red, yellow and black, bound to a stick which is inserted through the ear-lobe. Amazonian men wear feather ornaments and identify with mythical birds during ceremonial dances. These feathers are probably toucan.
4/2001/12
NECKLACE
Kuikúru, Xingu National Park, Brazil
Necklace made from pieces of fresh-water snail shells on cotton thread. An example of ceremonial adornment, worn and danced by men. Given to the donor in 1997 by representatives of the Kuikúru people, while she was working with them at the Museu Antropológico in Goias.
4/2001/13
ARMBANDS
Kuikuru, Brazil
A pair of arm ornaments, each consisting of three bundles of black and yellow feathers. These are secured into cords of plant fibre string. Amazonian men wear feather ornaments and identify with mythical birds during ceremonies. The armbands are like small wings, enabling the men to 'fly' across the dance-floor.
4/2001/14
ARMBAND
Kuikuru, Brazil
A pair of arm ornaments, each consisting of bunches of blue, black and yellow feathers. These are secured into cords of plant fibre string. Amazonian men wear feather ornaments and identify with mythical birds during ceremonies. The armbands are like small wings, enabling the men to 'fly' across the dance-floor.
4/2001/15
NECKLACE
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Necklace of buriti palm fibre, grass seeds, a nut and yellow feathers. A commercial item, purchased through the Santa Isabel Reserve outlet in Brazil. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/16
BAG
Tikuna, Amazon region, Brazil
Finger-weave hunting bag made of tucum fibre, with a loom-woven strap. In the Amazon region, weaving is usually done by women, but this hunting bag would be used by men. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/17
SEED
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Harvested urucum (Bixa orellana) seeds (semente), which are a source of orange-red pigment. They are macerated, pounded and mixed with vegetable oil or resin as a pigment binder. They are for used for body paint, dying fibres, staining cotton items, and painting ceramics. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/2
RAW COTTON (ALGADO)
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Cotton (Gossypium species) is cultivated for use as a fibre, which can be spun into thread for bindings or weaving. It is also used un-spun as fibre wrapping around the base of blowpipe darts to ensure they fit snugly in the blowpipe tube. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/3
STRAP
Txicao, Xingu National Park, Goias, Brazil
A traditional style baby-carrying strap made from natural cotton by a Txicao woman. This example was purchased in Goias shop which is an outlet for the Artindia foundation that retails items made by members of tribal groups within the park. The foundation has responsibility for their welfare. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/4
APRON
Txicao, Xingu National Park, Goias, Brazil
A traditional style baby-carrying strap made from natural cotton by a Txicao woman. This example was purchased in Goias shop which is an outlet for the Artindia foundation that retails items made by members of tribal groups within the park. The foundation has responsibility for their welfare. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/5
PALM FIBRE SAMPLE
Karaja, Amazon region, Brazil
Sample of buriti palm fibre in its natural state, dried. Given to the donor by representatives of theKaraja people, who worked with her at Museu Antropologico, Goias.
4/2001/6
CORDAGE
Karaja, Ilha do Bananal, Goias, Brazil
Sample of buriti palm fibre cordage, in the form of a length of twisted fibre cord. Made by a Karaja woman from Ilha do Bananal, a reserve area similar to Xingu National Park. Given to the donor by a Karaja representative, who worked with her at the Museu Antropologico, Goias.
4/2001/7
PALM FIBRE CORD
Karajá, Goias, Central Brazil
Sample of braided buriti palm fibre cordage. This is made from the soft fibres extracted in the second split of the palm leaf. Given to the donor by a Karaja representative, who worked with her at the Museu Antropologico, Goias. Collected in 1999.
4/2001/8
BASKET
Karaja? Goias, Brazil
Shallow, circular basket made from buriti palm fibres in brown and natural colours. The designs used recall the patterns on reptile skins, a familiar sight in the rainforest. This basket was made for sale to outsiders and still has its commercial label attached.
4/2001/9
BASKET
Wai Wai, Amazon region, Guyana
Baskets are ideal lightweight containers for use by mobile people who hunt and gather. Purchased from the FUNAI outlet in Belém, Brazil, in 2003.
54/2003/1
HEADDRESS
Wai Wai, Amazon region, Guyana
Headdress. Amazonian men wear feather ornaments and identify with mythical birds during ceremonial dances. Purchased from the FUNAI outlet in Belém, Brazil, in 2003.
54/2003/2
NECKLACE
Wai Wai, Amazon region, Guyana
Necklace of seeds, made for sale outside of the originating community. Purchased from the FUNAI outlet in Belém, Brazil, in 2003.
54/2003/3
COMB
Wai Wai, Amazon region, Guyana
Combs are used to both style and ornament hair, which Amazonian people believe to be a source of power and vitality. Purchased from the FUNAI outlet in Belém, Brazil, in 2003.
54/2003/4
BASKET
Wai-wai, Guyana
Rectangular basket with long string strap and a fitted lid. The lid has woven geometric patterns in a darker colour, and is decorated with bunches of multicoloured feathers. Men's valuable feather ornaments were traditionally stored in this type of basket, from which they were removed for use during ceremonial dances.
Commercial outlet for FUNAI
608/2005
BASKET
Amazon region, Brazil
Small, round basket with lid and string strap, woven in brown and natural shades. Decorated with bunches of multicoloured feathers.
609/2005/1
EARRING
Amazon region, Brazil
A pair of ear-rings, decorated with green-blue feathers, nuts and seeds, and tiny turtles woven from plant material, mounted on commercial metal fittings.
609/2005/2
PERSONAL ORNAMENT
Amazon region, Brazil
A matching pair of ornaments, decorated with seeds, green-blue and red feathers, suspended on black thread. Perhaps these were intended to be made into ear-rings.
609/2005/3
COMB
Kuikuru, Xingu National Park, Brazil
This comb has a wooden frame (possibly tucum) and teeth, bound together with geometric designs woven with thread (possibly cotton). Combs are used to both style and ornament hair. Each end of the sticks forming the frame is decorated with a bunch of small red feathers. Collected in 2003.
609/2005/4
