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.

Constructing Identity: Themes and Symbols Around the World

Red shoes with embroidered flower designs of white, pink, yellow, purple, blue and gold.

Hanfu (汉服) Shoes

China

Satin

Hanfu shoes are often worn with traditional Hanfu clothing. They can come in a variety of styles and designs. The designs are meant to complement the different outfits.

Donated by Yu Tae-Yong

1997.05.003 a,b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Fan with five silk panels. Central panel painted with landscape

Painted Fan

China

Silk

Silk fans symbolize elegance, status, and artistry. They can be used as a canvas for artists as well as used in weddings to symbolize the gathering of families. Fans can also be used in transitional dances

Donated by Polly Patterson

1997.01.001 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Hat is open in back, has silver beading and multi-colored flowers, yarn hanging from back, and built-in "earrings".

Bai Hat

China

Cotton

The Bai people are a minority group within the Yunnan Province, China. Women traditionally wear these hats as a part of Bai culture. They would accessorize and choose clothing based on what they find beautiful.

Donated by Jerry Martin

1997.14.006b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Pink Hanfu with multi-colored floral design

Pink Floral Hanfu (汉服)

China

Silk

Hanfu are a traditional style of Han Chinese clothing. “Han” refers to the Han Dynasty and “fu” means clothing or attire. Hanfu represents the history, traditions and aesthetics of the Han Dynasty. They have recently regained popularity among the younger generations. They see it as a way to reconnect with their cultural roots and express their identity. Different colors of hanfu have different symbolic meanings, typically reflecting on the seasons.

Donated by Jerry Martin

1997.03.001b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Red Hanfu with blue dragon design.

Dragon Hanfu (汉服)

China

Silk

A dragon is the fifth Chinese zodiac sign. 2024 was the Year of the Dragon. A dragon symbolizes power, good luck, and prosperity. Those that are born in the year of the Dragon are intelligent, confident, and naturally lucky and gifted. Dragons are also unique as they are the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiacs.

Donated by Jerry Martin

1997.03.002 b, c Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Red and Gold Hanfu with floral Design

Gold Floral Hanfu (汉服)

China

Silk

Gold and red are popular colors within Chinese culture. Gold symbolizes wealth, good fortune, prosperity and happiness. Red also symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and celebration. Both colors are often found together during Chinese New Year.

Donated by Jerry Martin

1990.10.019 a, b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology