American Soldiers Waving The Confederate Flag in Vietnam (1960s)

When Americans came to Vietnam, they brought their racism and prejudice with them. Although the military was integrated at the time, racial tensions were still prevalent. African Americans did military service for a country that did not even provide the most basic rights. The soldiers seen in the photograph are holding the flag of the […]

Vladimir Putin and Islam Karimov (2000s)

During Vladmir Putin’s first term in office he worked to strengthen Russian influence in the central Asian states. Here in this photograph shows President Putin shaking hands with Uzbek president Islam Karimov. Over his suit is traditional Uzbek clothing .Uzbekistan became important to Russia not only because it was formerly part of the Soviet Union, […]

Woman Using Indian Clubs Postcard (1910)

The postcard titled ” Advice To Engaged Girls” mocks women active in the Indian club exercise fad in the early 1900s. The physical culture movement emerged in the US, UK, and Germany during the 19th century which emphasized the importance of exercise for health. This continued into the 20th century and can be the foundation […]

Frontispiece of The Autobiography of Olaudah Equiano (1789)

This is the frontispiece as it appeared in the first edition of The Interesting Narrative of The Life of Oulaudah Equiano in 1789. Daniel Orme produced the art presented in the book. He was an abolitionist and author active in The Sons of Africa. Equiano’s autobiography discusses his life under enslavement. Readers were exposed to […]

Am I Not A Man And A Brother ? Medallion Design (1787)

The drawing above was produced by Josiah Wedgwood in 1787. The image would be used on abolitionist medallions, which were distributed to the public to raise awareness about the abuses of slavery. Josiah Wedgwood was an English potter, businessman, and inventor. A friend of Thomas Clarkson a prominent figure in the British abolitionist movement may […]

Berlin Post World War II Footage (1945)

The footage shows post war Berlin with Germans walking through the streets . American and Russian soldiers can also be seen among the German public. Germany was occupied by the US, UK, Russia, and France under administration zones. It has been restored in color. The city is covered in rubble and debris . Most of […]

Revolt in Carcas Venezuela Newsreel (1958)

The Marcos Jimenez presidency became so repressive that the Venezuelan population revolted. Constant civil unrest resulted in a coup. The Patriotic Junta was responsible for his removal and promised the restoration of democratic government including civil liberties . The irony was that President Jimenez came to power through a military coup. The newsreel seems to […]

The Fortepiano (1720)

The fortepiano is one the oldest surviving early pianos. The artifact remains on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The piano has only 54 keys, while modern pianos have 88. The structure is wing shaped similar to a hapsicord. The piano would produce a different sound,giving musicians more to work with. […]

Head of Man with Tight Curly Hair Sculpture ( 120-100 B.C.E)

This sculpture was from the 2nd century B.C.E, which depicts the face of a Nubian man. Nubia refers to the region along the Nile river between Aswan and central Sudan. The Nile valley composed many African civilizations. Meroe, Napata, Kerma, and Kush were major kingdoms. The art found provides a record of various peoples living […]

Jim Henson and Frank OZ Promote The Dark Crystal on Russell Harty (1982)

The Dark Crystal was released in 1982 and it was radically different from Jim Henson’s other work. This interview on the Russel Harty show Jim Henson and Fran OZ explain the world and folklore of the Dark Crystal. The film utilized some of the most sophisticated puppets at the time. Henson also provides the audience with […]