Taylor University Archives Artifact Catalog: Fall 2007
Artifact Catalog: Africa
1780 (unknown when this specimen was struck)
Maria Theresa Thaler
Region: Austrian-Hungarian Empire
Material: Originally Silver
Description: This is the longest continuously struck and circulated coin in the world.
Originally struck between 1740 and 1780, this coin was the first to open up major
trading with the Arabs. When Maria Theresa died in 1780, her son and heir
Joseph II, minted some coins with him image, but they were not accepted in the
Middle Eastern World, which wanted the Maria Theresa Thalers. Joseph II
consequently minted more, and the coin has never been out of circulation since. It
has, at times, served as the basis of economies in the Middle East and northern
Africa, even into the late 20th century. The Thaler is printed more or less the
same as the original, making deciphering an exact strike date for an individual
coin very difficult. Though Austria retired the coin from their economy in 1857,
the Vienna mint still makes a few every year, and it is not uncommon to find them
still traded in certain African and Middle Eastern bazaars. Our coin is in nearperfect condition.
Edward Schramm Collection
Payment Request to Napoleon Bonaparte on the Egyptian Campaign
1798
Region: France/Egypt
Materials: Paper, encapsulated
Description: Letter from Giuseppe Earhart to Napoleon Bonaparte, requesting additional
land in restitution for certain deeds Earhart performed while a part of Napoleon’s
Archives Artifact Catalog: Africa
To see items, call 998-5520 or email [email protected]
1
Taylor University Archives Artifact Catalog: Fall 2007
Army. Napoleon signed an order to investigate this claim on the same paper, and
the backside of the paper is covered with the results of said investigation in
French and Arabic, in which the officers conclude that Earhart did not perform
such deeds as would necessitate the awarding of additional land. Written in
Italian, French and Arabic languages. Translation not available, though summary
is. Written and sent during the Egyptian Campaign
James DeWeerd Collection DW.1966.12
David Livingstone Letter
1858, 1 March
Region: United Kingdom
Materials: Paper, repaired and encapsulated
Description: Letter written by David Livingstone to friend taking up invitation to stay
with them. Handwritten, signed.
James DeWeerd Collection DW.1967.5
Henry Stanley Letter
1891, January 1
Region:America
Materials: Paper, encapsulated
Description: Letter from Henry M. Stanley, African explorer who is most famous for
uttering the phrase “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”. This letter thanks the recipient
for the elaborately decorated menu he was sent and reciprocates the New Year’s
greeting.
James DeWeerd Collection DW.1967.10
Archives Artifact Catalog: Africa
To see items, call 998-5520 or email [email protected]
2
Taylor University Archives Artifact Catalog: Fall 2007
Carved Elephant
1900-1940
Region: Angola, or South-West Africa
Material: Mahogany Wood and Ivory
Description: Carved Elephant
Mabel Michael Collection
Snake Skins
1900-1940
Region: Angola or South West Africa
Material: Snake Skin
Description: Long snake skins. One in excess of eleven feet, the other in excess of eight
feet.
Mabel Michael Collection
Ivory Birds
1900-1940
Archives Artifact Catalog: Africa
To see items, call 998-5520 or email [email protected]
3
Taylor University Archives Artifact Catalog: Fall 2007
Region: Angola or South-West Africa
Material: Ivory
Description: Carved Ivory birds made from the tips of the elephant tusks. Beautiful
craftsmanship.
Mabel Michael Collection
Ebony Carvings
1900-1940
Region: Western Africa
Material: Ebony, Ivory insets (on one figure, left)
Description: Carvings of native peoples in Ebony. Beautiful detailing showing
hairstyles, necklaces, ect.
Wengatz Collection
Foraging or Farming Tool
1900-1940
Region: Western Africa
Materials: Wood and Steel Blade inserted
Description: This tool resembles a small plow or hoe and was likely used in the aquiring
or preparation of food. Shows signs of use and wear.
Wengatz Collection
Archives Artifact Catalog: Africa
To see items, call 998-5520 or email [email protected]
4
Taylor University Archives Artifact Catalog: Fall 2007
Bark Fabric
1900-1940
Region: West Africa
Material: Bark
Description: Fabric made from bark that was used by local’s in the Wengatz’s area to
make clothing. Still Pliable
Wengatz Collection
Angolese Knives
1900-1940
Region: West Africa
Material: Iron, wood, snake skin
Description: Hand forged knives (possibly machetes) that show wear and tear. Once
was made by a small boy, according to its tag.
Wengatz Collection
Archives Artifact Catalog: Africa
To see items, call 998-5520 or email [email protected]
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