Collections by Name | Collections by Region

Joseph L. Druse Collection of Nigerian Material Culture

During 1962-63, when he was in Nigeria to establish a humanities program at the Nsukka campus of the University of Nigeria, Joseph Druse developed a collection of objects that he donated to the MSU Museum in 1964 and in 2001. The collections include textiles and clothing, carvings, masks, tools, weapons, musical instruments, utilitarian and household objects, and objects of personal adornment. The items provide a good overview of the material culture of the region during the mid-twentieth century.

Donors and Fieldworkers

Joseph L. Druse Joseph L. Druse

Exhibitions

"Expressions of Africa: Selections from the Museum Collections of Michigan State University," East Lansing, Michigan: Kresge Art Museum, September 19-December 15, 1989.

"African Connections: Perspectives on Collection Culture," Michigan State University Museum, East Lansing, Michigan, January 31, 1999-September 5, 1999. [see Raymond Silverman, http://museum.msu.edu/Exhibitions/Virtual/AfCon/ (28 March 1999) for more information on collectors of African material for MSU Museum]

Publications

Raymond A. Silverman. Expressions of Africa: Selections from the Museum Collections of Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Museum with Kresge Art Museum and African Studies Center, 1989.

Raymond A. Silverman. “African Connections Perspectives on Collecting Culture,” [virtual exhibition]

Carved ivory figure representing the Oba (traditional ruler) of Benin

Carved calabash vessel from the Oyo people

Embroidered Akwete cloth from the Aba people