Skip to content

Museum object · Visual Arts

Untitled (Bottle People Series)

1997

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

COLLECTION RECORDImage not availableExplore the catalog description and source record.
Visit the source record ↗

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A mixed media sculpture created by adhering cowrie shells, leaves, string, cord and other materials to a painted glass bottle. The glass bottle has a flip-top lid and a pressed design featuring a stalk of wheat with the initials “G” and “B.” The bottle and all elements of the cap have been painted black. There are dried leaves pressed to the front body of the bottle, held in place by a thin string wrapped around the bottle multiple times. Above the bottle’s neck is a face made from a curved, rusted metal piece with two cowrie shells attached as “eyes.” The top of the metal piece is painted black, and the base is held to the bottle by cord, which is also painted black in parts. There are two circles of Velcro adhered to the bottom of the bottle.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2024.70.9.1

Continue exploring Series 1

Arts, Music & Culture →

Explore all Series 1 cards →