MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
Title:
Ivory Letter Opener
Object Name:
Opener, Letter, Ivory
Other Name:
Letter Opener
Place of Origin:
Sierra Leone, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
L = 7"

Vivian Olson spent over 35 years as a missionary, in Sierra Leone. A letter that accompanied the seven items that she donated, make some mention of each piece. In her own words:

The ivory letter opener is a native craft in Sierra Leone.
Description:
Knife—shaped, ivory letter opener. Possibly two foxes or dogs, carved into each side of handle.
Collection:
Vivian Olson Collection
Material:
Ivory
Used:
Domestic Use
Technique:
Carving
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2015.4.2
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