Holmes Museum Updated Hours

The Museum is open Fall and Spring semesters, Monday-Friday from 1:00-5:00 or by appointment. During winter break and during the summer, the museum will be open by appointment only. Admission is free but donations are accepted. If you would like to visit or schedule a tour please call 316-978-7068 or email holmes.museum@wichita.edu holmes.museum@wichita.edu.

Flora and Fauna

People and Their Environment

Although the world is highly urbanized in the 21st century, as always human cultures grow alongside native flora and fauna. This often builds significant relationships between people and their environment. Items in this case show how two very different cultures depict their environment in art and clothing.

Are there any special plants and/or animals in your life?

Small serving dish decorated with twin fish arranged in a ying-yang position in the center bottom of the bowl. The dish has a wide, flat lip, glazed dark green.

Twin Fish (双鱼) Dish

Asia

Ceramic

Twin fish, also known as shuāngyú in Chinese, symbolizes good fortune and marital harmony. They represent the concept of balance, such as Yin and Yang – a fundamental principle in Chinese philosophy.

Donated by Melvin and Sylvia Epp

2020.01.068 Lowell D Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Small saucer plate in the shape of a chrysanthemum and glazed with an Annamese pale green celadon.

Chrysanthemum (菊花) Saucer

Asia

Ceramic

Chrysanthemum is a popular flower used during the Chinese New Year celebration in China. They symbolize longevity and good fortune. It’s believed that their bright colors will attract wealth and prosperity.

Donated by Melvin and Sylvia Epp

2020.01.090 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Plum Blossom (梅花) Fan

Asia

Bamboo

“Four Gentlemen” in Chinese culture refers to four different plants; plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. These four plants are commonly used in Chinese art and each represent one of the four seasons. A plum blossom symbolizes perseverance and resilience. They are known for being able to blossom in harsh weather, even in the winter. It shows strength and hope even through rough times.

Donated by Greg Zreliak and Rose Bonita

2007.01.002 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Bird Ornament

Lavongai (New Hanover)

Wood and Metal

Items from the Bismark Archipelago have heavily featured birds for all of recorded history. Ornaments such as these are often made using wood or plant fibers, then brightly colored with paints or feathers. The use of local materials and the portrayal of local animals in their artwork highlights the cultural connection to the land.

Donated by Dr. Dorothy Billings

2012.10.007 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Arm Band

Lavongai (New Hanover)

Plant Fibers

Clothing made from woven plant fibers such as grass skirts and arm bands are worn primarily by Papuan women. The patterns and colors featured in this region’s clothing often carry meaning and may denote familial ties in the community. The use of materials available in the local environment highlights a powerful expression of identity and cultural pride.

Donated by Dr. Dorothy Billings

2012.10.090 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology