Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Place: Puerto Rico

Tobacco Stand

Teodoro Vidal acquired this smart-looking smoking stand near Mayagüez, on the western shore of the island.
Description
Teodoro Vidal acquired this smart-looking smoking stand near Mayagüez, on the western shore of the island. It was made from local wood at the turn of the 20th century and has three separate containers, possibly for matches, cigarettes, and snuff, as well as space for an ash tray.
Description (Spanish)
Teodoro Vidal adquirió esta elegante mesita de tabaco cerca de Mayagüez, en la costa oeste de la isla. Fue fabricado a fines del siglo XX con madera nativa y tiene tres compartimientos, posiblemente para cerillas, cigarrillos y tabaco, junto con un espacio para cenicero.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1145
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1145

Juego de Servir Ron

This rum decanter with matching cups was made from wood. Rum, a by-product of sugar cane, is closely associated with the history of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, rum is produced for both foreign and domestic consumption.Decantador de ron de madera con copas haciendo juego.
Description
This rum decanter with matching cups was made from wood. Rum, a by-product of sugar cane, is closely associated with the history of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, rum is produced for both foreign and domestic consumption.
Description (Spanish)
Decantador de ron de madera con copas haciendo juego. El ron, un derivado de la caña de azúcar, se halla estrechamente relacionado con la historia del Caribe. En Puerto Rico se produce tanto para la exportación como para el consumo doméstico.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0881
catalog number
1997.0097.0881
accession number
1997.0097

Rosario

This string rosary, made from a local plant fiber, has knots instead of beads to represent the prayer cycle. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Our Father.
Description
This string rosary, made from a local plant fiber, has knots instead of beads to represent the prayer cycle. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Our Father. Rosaries in the Vidal collection are made from a wide variety of materials such as silver, gold, horn, seed, wood, and coral.
Description (Spanish)
Este rosario, manufacturado con fibras de una planta local, tiene nudos en vez de cuentas para representar el ciclo de plegarias. Los rosarios son collares de cuentas que usan los católicos para repetir plegarias tales como el Ave María y el Padre Nuestro. Los rosarios de la Colección Vidal están confeccionados con una gran variedad de materiales, tales como plata, oro, cuerno, semillas, madera y coral.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
ID Number
1997.0097.1088.013
catalog number
1997.0097.1088.013
accession number
1997.0097

Careta De Caballero Para Nino

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1978
referenced
Saint James the Less
maker
Ayala, Castor
ID Number
1997.0097.0348
catalog number
1997.0097.0348
accession number
1997.0097

Careta De Caballero

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
late 20th century
referenced
Saint James the Less
ID Number
1997.0097.0341
catalog number
1997.0097.0341
accession number
1997.0097

Herramientas De Coser

Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0593.005
catalog number
1997.0097.0593.005
accession number
1997.0097

Tiple

The tiple, the smallest string instrument in Puerto Rico, may be the one with the most regional variety. Small guitar or ukulele-like instruments are found throughout Latin America with the name tiple.
Description
The tiple, the smallest string instrument in Puerto Rico, may be the one with the most regional variety. Small guitar or ukulele-like instruments are found throughout Latin America with the name tiple. The Puerto Rican tiple is derived from an instrument of the same name brought by settlers from the Canary Islands.
Description (Spanish)
El tiple es el instrumento de cuerdas más pequeño de Puerto Rico y, podría decirse, el que presenta la mayor cantidad de variaciones regionales. Es posible hallar bajo el nombre de tiple guitarras pequeñas o instrumentos similares al ukulele en toda América Latina. El tiple puertorriqueño se derivó de un instrumento del mismo nombre introducido a Puerto Rico por colonos provenientes de las Islas Canarias.
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1081
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1081

Güiro Pick

This güiro pick is in the shape of a cuatro, the national string instrument of Puerto Rico.
Description
This güiro pick is in the shape of a cuatro, the national string instrument of Puerto Rico. Both the güiro and cuatro feature prominently in the instrumentation of traditional Puerto Rican genres like the seis and plena.
Description (Spanish)
Este puyero de güiro tiene la forma de un cuatro, el instrumento nacional de cuerdas de Puerto Rico. Tanto el güiro como el cuatro ocupan un lugar prominente en la instrumentación de los géneros tradicionales puertorriqueños, tales como el seis y la plena.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1094
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1094

The All-Powerful Hand

The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor.
Description
The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor. The five small figures atop the fingers are: Baby Jesus on the thumb; St. Joseph on the index finger; the Virgin Mary on the middle finger; St. Joachim (Mary's father) on the fourth finger; and St. Anne (Mary's mother) on the pinkie.
Description (Spanish)
El antiguo símbolo de una mano protectora es común a cristianos, judíos y musulmanes. Esta figura de la Mano Poderosa, del fin del siglo XIX, es una versión específicamente católica de su predecesora romana. Las cinco figuras pequeñas en el extremo superior de los dedos son: el niño Jesús en el pulgar; San José en el índice; la Virgen María en el mayor; San Joaquín (padre de María) en el anular y Santa Ana (madre de María) en el meñique.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
maker
Caban Group
Caban Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0225
catalog number
1997.0097.0225
accession number
1997.0097

Paila

This metal pot, used for making guava paste and other sweets at home, was acquired in Rio Piedras in 1953.Esta olla de metal, empleada para preparar pasta de guayaba y otros dulces caseros, fue adquirida en Río Piedras en 1953.Currently not on view
Description
This metal pot, used for making guava paste and other sweets at home, was acquired in Rio Piedras in 1953.
Description (Spanish)
Esta olla de metal, empleada para preparar pasta de guayaba y otros dulces caseros, fue adquirida en Río Piedras en 1953.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1177
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1177

Tres Santos Reyes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Three Kings
maker
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
ID Number
1997.0097.0907
catalog number
1997.0097.0907
accession number
1997.0097

San Antonio de Padua

St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most venerated saints in Puerto Rico.
Description
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most venerated saints in Puerto Rico. According to Catholic tradition, he was miraculously visited by the Infant Jesus, and is commonly referred to as the "finder of lost articles." This figure is an early example of a santo from the 18th century.
Description (Spanish)
Conforme a la tradición, San Antonio de Padua, uno de los santos más venerados de Puerto Rico, fue milagrosamente visitado por el niño Jesús. Comúnmente se lo invoca para "encontrar objetos perdidos". Esta figura constituye un ejemplo temprano de los santos del siglo XVIII.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th century
depicted
Saint Anthony of Padua
ID Number
1997.0097.0635
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0635

Tiple

The tiple, Puerto Rico's smallest string instrument, shows great regional variations in how it is strung and tuned. It and its jumbo version, the bordonúa, were often played to accompany religious songs.
Description
The tiple, Puerto Rico's smallest string instrument, shows great regional variations in how it is strung and tuned. It and its jumbo version, the bordonúa, were often played to accompany religious songs. While the melodic cuatro has been embraced as a popular symbol of puertorriqueñidad (Puerto Ricanness), the tiple nearly disappeared in the 20th century.
Description (Spanish)
El tiple es el instrumento de cuerdas más pequeño de Puerto Rico, observándose un gran número de variaciones regionales respecto al modo en que se encorda y afina. El tiple y su versión gigante, el bordonúa, se tocaban a menudo para acompañar temas religiosos. Mientras que el cuatro melódico fue adoptado como símbolo popular de la puertorriqueñidad, el tiple prácticamente ha desaparecido en el siglo XX.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1078
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1078

Carnival Mask

This papier-mâché mask was made by Miguel Caraballo in 1985.
Description
This papier-mâché mask was made by Miguel Caraballo in 1985. Masks like this are typically worn by young men from the neighborhood, who don the costume of a vejigante , a character who roams the streets during Carnival, playfully scaring children and other revelers, and swatting them with vejigas (balloon-like, inflated animal bladders).
Description (Spanish)
Esta máscara de papel maché fue confeccionada por Miguel Caraballo en 1985.
Para la época del carnaval, los jóvenes del barrio acostumbran disfrazarse de vejigantes con máscaras como ésta y salen a deambular por las calles asustando a los niños y concurrentes a la fiesta, dándoles palmadas con sus vejigas (vejigas de animales infladas como globos y puestas a secar).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1985
maker
Caraballo, Miguel Angel
ID Number
1997.0097.0002
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0002

San Rafael Arcángel

Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, found in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Devotees of St.
Description
Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, found in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Devotees of St. Raphael the Archangel consider him the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. This santo was made early in the 20th century by Juan Cartagena in the town of Orocovis.
Description (Spanish)
Rafael es uno de los varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana. La historia de Rafael se halla en el libro de Tobit, el cual se incluye únicamente en la Biblia de los cristianos católicos y ortodoxos occidentales. Los devotos de San Rafael lo consideran como guía de los viajeros, guardián de los jóvenes y arcángel capaz de aliviar a la humanidad y a la tierra. Este santo data de principios del siglo XX y fue tallado por Juan Cartagena en el pueblo de Orocovis.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1891-1956-11-04
depicted
Saint Raphael
maker
Cartagena Martinez, Juan
ID Number
1997.0097.0746
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0746

Christening Cap

This intricate handmade lace baby cap dates from the turn of the 20th century and was probably worn for a baby's christening. The baptism of newborns is both a religious and a social ceremony, strengthening ties among members of a community.
Description
This intricate handmade lace baby cap dates from the turn of the 20th century and was probably worn for a baby's christening. The baptism of newborns is both a religious and a social ceremony, strengthening ties among members of a community. Compadrazgo, the special relationship between parents and godparents, is a valued tradition in Puerto Rico and Latin America.
Description (Spanish)
Este intrincado gorro de bebé de encaje data de principios del siglo XX y es probable que se haya utilizado para el bautismo del niño. La ceremonia de bautismo de los recién nacidos tiene una importancia tanto religiosa como social, dado que permite estrechar vínculos entre los miembros de una comunidad. El Compadrazgo, la relación especial entre padres y padrinos, es una tradición importante en Puerto Rico y América Latina.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1229
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1229

Ladle

This cucharón, or ladle, is constructed from a gourd bowl with wood handle. Teodoro Vidal went to great lengths to research and document the objects that he collected.
Description
This cucharón, or ladle, is constructed from a gourd bowl with wood handle. Teodoro Vidal went to great lengths to research and document the objects that he collected. The notes written by him upon acquiring this ladle read, "Hataca, or Jataca (word of Indian origin), large spoon or vessel made of gourd. Often used to get water from the tinajero (water filter). This one was acquired in 1958 in the town of Anasco."
Description (Spanish)
Este cucharón está hecho de una vasija de calabaza con mango de madera. Teodoro Vidal invirtió gran esfuerzo en la investigación y documentación de los objetos de su colección. Las notas que escribió en oportunidad de la compra de este objeto decían "Hataca, o Jataca (palabra de origen indígena), cuchara grande o vasija hecha de calabaza. A menudo empleada para recoger agua del tinajero (recipiente para filtrar el agua). Este objeto fue adquirido en 1958 en el pueblo de Anasco".
Date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0955
catalog number
1997.0097.0955
accession number
1997.0097

Carnival Mask

Carnival celebrations featuring performers dressed as devils are found across Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. The presence of these characters during Carnival is understood by many as an ancient reference to the contest between good and evil.
Description
Carnival celebrations featuring performers dressed as devils are found across Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. The presence of these characters during Carnival is understood by many as an ancient reference to the contest between good and evil. This devilish mask shows the characteristic style of its maker, Leonardo Pagán. Born in 1929, Pagán was the student of a renowned mask maker, Juan Careta, who worked from the 1890s until the 1950s. After his mentor's death, Pagán masks became highly prized. Pagán died in 2000.
Description (Spanish)
Las celebraciones de carnaval durante las cuales se observan individuos disfrazados de diablos son comunes en Puerto Rico y el resto de América Latina. Muchos interpretan la presencia de estos personajes durante el Carnaval como una antigua referencia a la contienda entre el bien y el mal. Esta máscara diabólica representa el estilo característico de su creador, Leonardo Pagán. Nacido en 1929, Pagán fue estudiante del renombrado artesano de máscaras, Juan Careta, cuyo trabajo se extendió desde la década de 1890 hasta la de 1950. Luego de la muerte de su mentor, las máscaras de Pagán se volvieron muy preciadas. Pagán falleció en el año 2000.
Date made
1997-04
maker
Pagan, Leonardo
ID Number
1997.0097.1215
catalog number
1997.0097.1215
accession number
1997.0097

Carnival Mask

Mask maker Antonio Muñiz has added the horns of a traditional carnaval de Ponce mask (usually representing a devilish face) to a gorilla.
Description
Mask maker Antonio Muñiz has added the horns of a traditional carnaval de Ponce mask (usually representing a devilish face) to a gorilla. This papier-mâché mask has an articulated jaw and a vinyl tongue.
Description (Spanish)
El artesano Antonio Muñiz creó esta máscara agregándole a un gorila los cuernos de una máscara tradicional del carnaval de Ponce (las que por lo general representan un rostro diabólico). Esta máscara de papel maché cuenta con una mandíbula articulada y una lengua de vinilo.
Collection Ethnic
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1980
maker
Muniz, Antonio
ID Number
1997.0097.0009
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0009

Cantimplora

This contemporary coconut canteen demonstrates dynamic craftsmanship using a variety of materials. The main body is made from a polished coconut incised with geometric designs.
Description
This contemporary coconut canteen demonstrates dynamic craftsmanship using a variety of materials. The main body is made from a polished coconut incised with geometric designs. It is carried in a metal frame with a wooden handle and sealed with a plastic and cork stopper.
Description (Spanish)
Esta cantimplora contemporánea de coco es ejemplo de una artesanía dinámica que recurre al empleo de gran variedad de materiales. El cuerpo principal del objeto está confeccionado de coco pulido con incisiones de diseños geométricos; posee un soporte metálico con asa de madera y un tapón de plástico y corcho.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0956
catalog number
1997.0097.0956
accession number
1997.0097

Barbie Dressed as La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

This Barbie doll is costumed and accessorized as a representation of The Virgin of Caridad del Cobre, Patron Saint of Cuba. The doll wears the ornate blue and gold robe characteristic of the Virgin in other depictions in religious cards, carvings, and statues.
Description
This Barbie doll is costumed and accessorized as a representation of The Virgin of Caridad del Cobre, Patron Saint of Cuba. The doll wears the ornate blue and gold robe characteristic of the Virgin in other depictions in religious cards, carvings, and statues. The figure has a crown and is holding a baby (Barbie's brother doll), representing the image of Jesus, and an orb and a crucifix. The doll is mounted on a plaster base. Below the doll is a paper boat on painted cloth to represent the sea, with three doll figures on the boat that represent the fishermen lost at sea that the Virgin saves. Three angels are suspended above the boat. Mixed materials including glass, fabric, plastic, gold braid, plaster, paper, paint, and synthetic jewels. Made by Armando Pérez, a man of Cuban descent, living in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, at the time he sold this doll to the Smithsonian.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1996 - 1997
manufacturer
Mattel, Inc.
maker
Perez, Armando
ID Number
1997.0178.01
accession number
1997.0178
catalog number
1997.0178.01

Sampler

Into the 20th century, many considered sewing an integral part of the education of all young girls, who used needlework samplers like this one to learn and master patterns and stitches.
Description
Into the 20th century, many considered sewing an integral part of the education of all young girls, who used needlework samplers like this one to learn and master patterns and stitches. Needlework and the skilled handling of a sewing machine helped many women to support their families. Clara Rivera sewed this sampler in the city of Ponce in 1934, combining text with geometric and floral designs.
Description (Spanish)
Durante el siglo XX, la costura se consideraba parte integral de la educación de las niñas, quienes utilizaban dechados como éste para practicar nuevos diseños y puntos. La costura y la destreza en las máquinas de coser permitieron a muchas mujeres contribuir con el sustento de sus familias. Clara Rivera cosió su dechado en la ciudad de Ponce en 1934, combinando texto, diseños geométricos y florales.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
Rivera, Clara
ID Number
1997.0097.1227.009
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1227.009

San Rafael Arcángel

This santo represents St. Raphael the Archangel, the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
Description
This santo represents St. Raphael the Archangel, the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Description (Spanish)
Este santo representa a San Rafael Arcángel, guía de los viajeros, guardián de los jóvenes y arcángel encargado de aliviar a la humanidad y a la tierra. Rafael es uno de los varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana. La historia de Rafael se halla en el libro de Tobit, el cual se incluye únicamente en la Biblia de los cristianos católicos y ortodoxos occidentales.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
depicted
Saint Raphael
ID Number
1997.0097.0775
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0775

San Antonio

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0905
catalog number
1997.0097.0905
accession number
1997.0097

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