Beaded body jewelry from “Jewelry-as-Clothing” collection by Bill Smith for Richelieu. The collar and the hemline of the top are comprised of two separate brass chains with several waist-length strings of black beads connecting the two, covering the front…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog 2025.7.14
This is a black beaded evening bag belonging to Etta Moten Barnett. The bag is a rectangular clutch with a flap opening. The flap closes with a metal snap closure on the interior of the flap. The exterior of the bag is covered in tiny black beads sewn into…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog A2022.13.1.64.1
This gold silk floral print sheath dress was worn by Dinah Washington. The dress has a natural waistline with no seam at the bodice. Pleats are sewn in the bodice and front waist to create a fitted silhouette. The gold silk satin is overlaid with cream…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog 2011.87.5
A crème-colored silk gown designed by Zelda Wynn for Eartha Kitt. The one shoulder, floor-length silk gown features extensively beaded and multi-colored birds of paradise throughout. It was made with a combination of machine and hand-stitching. The bodice…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog 2007.3.163
White beaded clutch purse used by Dinah Washington. The purse is oval in shape with a top hinged metal opening. The body is covered entirely in short loops of white iridescent seed beads. A short chain link handle is attached to the hinged opening. Clear…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog 2010.63.1
Donor notes read: "Beads from Asamang being ground by power grinders just outside Kumasi. Asante bead making village, Asamang; outside of Kumasi, Feb. 15, 1986. The date on the slide is MAR 86.".
Smithsonian Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African ArtCatalog EEPA.1993-028, Item EEPA.1993-028-2014
Donor notes read: "Beads from Asamang being ground by power grinders just outside Kumasi. Kumasi trip, Feb. 14-16, 1986. The date on the slide is MAR 86.".
Smithsonian Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African ArtCatalog EEPA.1993-028, Item EEPA.1993-028-0255
This pair of Beady cufflinks is designed and created by Art Smith. Each cufflink has a cufflink face of a rounded and polished pink rhodochrosite, a post made of 14k gold, and a movable toggle of a rounded and polished lapis lazuli with a 14k wire wrapped…
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureCatalog 2023.12.17ab
Beulah Elizabeth Richardson (July 12, 1920 – September 14, 2000), known professionally as Beah Richards and Bea Richards, was an American actress of stage, screen, and television. She was also a poet, playwright, author and activist. Richards was nominated…
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