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Catalog Data

Artist:
Ira Blount  Search this
Medium:
glass beads, nylon thread
Dimensions:
4 1/8 × 2 5/16 × 1/8 in. (10.5 × 5.8 × 0.3 cm)
Type:
beadwork
Caption:
A stepped diamond is the central focus of this beaded strap by artist Ira Blount (1918-2020). Glass beads in white, green, blue, yellow, red, and orange create the short strap’s intricate design. Its bold colors and geometric patterns recall artmaking traditions of the American Southwest. With the development of global trade in the sixteenth century, cultures across North America, Africa, and Europe valued glass beads for their aesthetic and monetary properties. Elements of the design evoke diverse influences and speak to beading’s broad reach and appeal throughout the long history of globalization.
After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.
Cite As:
Gift of Ira Blount
Accession Number:
2011.0004.0120
Restrictions & Rights:
CC0
See more items in:
Anacostia Community Museum Collection
Data Source:
Anacostia Community Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/dl85d91022d-f710-4c83-861d-5f57b032fb8d
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:acm_2011.0004.0120