Dr. Eddie Jordan, Sr., was a Southern artist from Wichita Falls, TX. "African Decree" is a metal sculpture of a humanoid figure. It has two legs with feet that stand on stilts and a middle section of the body with vertically stacked bolts. Sculpted metal parts extend to mimic arms, and the spiraled metal pieces represent coiled hair.
The Buffalo Soldier Stratton hat is a distinctive military headgear associated with the African American cavalry regiments known as Buffalo Soldiers, and belonged to Benjamin French. Crafted from durable materials, it features a wide brim and a high crown, symbolizing pride and resilience.
The Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War medal (1861-1865) honors female descendants of Union soldiers. This FCL (Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty) medal features symbolic imagery from the Civil War era, representing service and sacrifice.
A beverage product made from muscadine berries grown at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Muscadine berries are a type of grape native to the southeastern United States.
Florida A&M School for Negroes embossing stamp is a significant artifact from the institution's early history, representing the legacy of African American education in Florida. This brass stamp, used for official documentation, embodies the resilience and determination of the community in pursuit of educational opportunities.
Black paper doll features movable joints, cut from paper and assembled with small fasteners. The doll, reflecting 19th-century craftsmanship. These dolls, often simple in design, were popular children's toys, but also highlight complex themes of race and identity in post-Reconstruction America.
This button was one of three designs in a VisitGainesville bag from the Rosewood Museum. It depicts a downtrodden man looking down at the burned remains of what could be his home or business. The community is also looking onward at the rubble in the background.
This button was one of three designs in a VisitGainesville bag from the Rosewood Museum. It depicts a map of Florida (except for the uppermost part of the panhandle and the lowermost tip of the southern region), pointing out where the town of Rosewood used to stand before it was subjected to racial violence.
The Southern Cross of Honor "Deo Vindice" medal was awarded to Confederate veterans for their service during the Civil War. Bearing the Latin phrase "God will vindicate," it symbolizes the Lost Cause ideology and Southern pride. This medal, bestowed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
This 1913 Confederate Reunion medal, a souvenir from the United Confederate Veterans (UCV) gathering in Chattanooga, commemorates veterans of the Civil War. The medal features Confederate symbols and celebrates the reunion of former soldiers.
The Yaka mask, traditionally crafted by the Yaka people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for its striking design and vibrant colors. Often used in initiation ceremonies and cultural performances, the mask features exaggerated facial features that convey power and spiritual significance.
This sculpture is reminiscent of the twin commemorative figure, but its facial features have faded. This figure is cared for as if it were a child; in Yoruba culture, twins are considered powerful spirits who bring riches to the family. The cowrie shell top it wears serves as an offering to Sango, the deity who rules over the twins’ health.
This wooden sculpture has faded paint, but the features – including scarification marks and large ears – are still prominent. The Yoruba people of Nigeria made this mask to honor their ancestors in masquerade ceremonies, known as Odun Egungun (egungun meaning “power concealed”), meant to maintain the spiritual morality of previous generations.
