Symbolic of the 19th Century, this pair of objects represents the relationship between Africa and Europe during that time. On the right, sits a “Gelede” mask with an expansive face and colorful crown of extraordinary complexity and beauty. Carved in Nigeria from a single block of wood, its gently smiling face and open eyes emit a sense of serenity and patience. It is the face of the wise and powerful Mother, the Yoruba spirit called upon at the beginning of the planting season, to nurture the crops with rain. In this image, she signifies “Mother Africa” as a whole—a fertile place, filled with riches. To the left of the mask is a small nineteenth-century French jewelry box, made from brass and tortoise shell and lined with silk. Filling the box are silver Tuareg beads from Niger. The box and its beads signify bounty–perhaps taken from the African Mother in previous times, perhaps someday to be returned.