Keyword Search
Keyword Search
The Keyword Search button allows you to perform a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online.
- Use OR as the default connector between words (e.g. searching Johnson City will return records associated with Johnson OR City).
- Use AND between words to search for records with both key terms.
- Use quotes around words to search for a specific phrase (e.g. "East Tennessee State University").
- Use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.).
- Searches are NOT case sensitive.
Keyword Search Results
202 results found.
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1989.005 - Sculpture
"Little Mama" is an assemblage (a type of sculpture that introduces pre-existing, non-art objects into an art context) of found objects. The figure is made from black painted root and depicts a Black woman wearing a patchwork fabric skirt. Materials assembled on the figure include: two snail shells on top of the head; a jeweled gold brooch place on her forehead; eyes made from small cypraea shell; a mouth featuring pearl-like beads, a chain neckl...
Record Type: Object
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1992.005 - Sculpture
This untitled framed triptych by Sammie L. Nicely features three ceramic tribal mask or abstracted mask-like faces. The three masks are comprised of a palette of muted grays, blues, and whites, making for a harmonious color scheme. Their foreheads are decorated with buttons, beads, small jewels, and accessories. The masks' mouths are open slightly. The eyes are 3D circles or ovals with holes in the center. Each nose is a straight rectangular rope...
Record Type: Object
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1994.015.001 - Sculpture
This framed sculpture by Sammie L. Nicely depicts a foot-ball shaped mask or abstracted mask-like face. The fired clay body is multicolored brown and white, likely from pit-firing. A glossy green glaze was applied to the hair, eyes, nose, and mouth features. The sides of the face are incised with lines revealing the white clay body. The eyes are round ropes of clay on either side of the nose, a straight rope of clay leading down to the mouth. The...
Record Type: Object
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2001.009.004 - Sculpture
"Fantasy Sculpture" comprises four seemingly connected glass forms stacked upon one another. The sculpture is organic in form and with an earth toned palette. The base of the sculpture is scalloped frosted glass. On top of the base, an elongated egg-shaped piece of glass sits. It is clear but partially filled with an opaque dark red round form. Above this, an opaque matte yellow disk seems to bisects the sculpture. Finally, a red form similar to ...
Record Type: Object
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2004.006 - Poster
This poster features thirty-six different masks created by Sammie L. Nicely. The photos of the masks are put into a 6 by 6 grid on a white background. Below, the poster reads "Sammie Nicely" in black text. Nicely's signature is written above the I - L in "Nicely."
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.001 - Mask
This is a wooden "Kple Kple" or "Kplekple" bush cow mask, or Goli "Kplekple Bla" horned mask, originating from the Baule People from the Ivory Coast in Africa. The round wooden face features a crenellated border, rounded horns, a toothed mouth, and protruding eyeballs with a large singular eyebrow to make up an abstract face. Small brown ears are represented on the horns, which can signal an attitude of alert in the face of danger. This mask,...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.002 - Sculpture
This sculpture is suspected to be a reproduction rather than an authentic antiquity. This copper alloy sculpture by an unknown artist may depict the Head of the Ooni (King), Obalufon. An original sculpture would have been made by an artist of the Yoruba culture at Ife in Nigeria sometime from the 12th to 15th century. The head is three-quarters life size (35 cm). The eyes are lined with a dark pigment. The sculpture has gained a blue patina f...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.003 - Painting
Painting of two black fish. The fish are both facing toward the right and have eyes, eyelashes, and red lips. The background is comprised of white and blue blends, with a border of pink, purple, yellow, blue, and white hues alternating to make a colorful pattern. Artist's signature is in lower right corner in a yellow hue but is difficult to transcribe. The accession paperwork does not specify the artist, and there are no clues on the backside...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.004 - Print
This is a framed print designed for East Tennessee Arts. The frame is a vivid shade of red and the print is comprised mostly of darker colors. The top portion of the print, below the "EAST TENNESSEE ARTS" identifier, include photographic images of four pieces of art: one painting (by Bessie Harvey) and three sculptures. Below these images are several portions of text, including a quote from Bessie Harvey, a list of artists, a list of exhibits, an...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.005 - Print
This framed print was designed for an exhibit at The National Afro-American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio that was on display from October 23, 1993 - January 31, 1994. A credit statement for the exhibit in the bottom right corner of the print reads: "The exhibition Uncommon Beauty in Common Objects: The Legacy of African American Craft Art, its related public programs, and national tour are organized by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultura...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.006 - Drawing
Framed drawing of a naked woman sitting on a red couch or sofa. She has dark brown skin and black hair that extends beyond her shoulders. Her right leg is crossed over her left leg, both legs oriented toward the couch, while her torso and head are facing forward. The couch sits on an emerald green floor. The background is comprised of gray, with two emerald green rectangles positioned in the upper-right corner. Many of the figures in the drawing ...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.007 - Artwork
Framed mixed media artwork, presumably a doll, made of fabric and found objects and/or metal pieces by Sammie L. Nicely. The doll appears to be a woman wearing a dress and matching headpiece. The dress and headpiece are comprised of two alternating fabrics: one is blue and white (and appears to be hand-dyed, matching other Nicely fabric pieces in the collection), while one is an alternating orange and green pattern with small purple, swirling des...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.008 - Drawing
Framed drawing of a figure wearing a large black hat or piece of headwear. The headwear is in a crescent shape facing downward toward the figure. The figure's skin is blue and yellow with distinct separations between the two colors in the form of linework and shading. The eyebrows are knitted close together or furrowed. The eyes are blue and the lips are a vivid shade of pink. The topmost portion of black clothing is also visible on the figure, c...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.009 - Sculpture
This is a framed triptych of small sculptural masks. The three masks are decorated with found objects. Each mask is made of different colors and a unique blend of hues and ornamentations in the forms of beads, buttons, jewelry pieces, and various metals. The three masks are primarily blue, gray, white, green, and brown. The eyes are made of beads and/or buttons, and the masks are further decorated with nails, buttons, beads, and jewelry pieces. ...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.010 - Sculpture
Framed triptych of small sculptural masks by Sammie L. Nicely. The three masks are decorated with found objects. Each mask is made of different colors and a unique blend of hues and ornamentations in the forms of beads, buttons, jewelry pieces, and various metals. The three masks are primarily beige, black, brown, white, and red. The eyes are made of beads and/or buttons, and the masks are further decorated with nails, buttons, beads, and jewelry...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.011 - Portrait
Framed black and white portrait of a woman. The portrait is a circular shape and features the woman's head and chest. The woman's hair is pulled back behind her head and is parted in the center. Her facial expression is serious. She is wearing what appears to be a high-neck black dress with puffed sleeves and vertical details extending from the collar downward. The portrait sits within circular tiger stripe or "tiger wood" frame. The photograph's...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.012 - Portrait
This framed black and white portrait captures a seated woman who appears to be dressed in early 20th century clothing. She is wearing a darkly colored cloche hat, a vertically pinstriped dress with a bow at the collar, a long jacket in a dark hue with a fur collar, and what appears to be ballerina flats with an attached ankle strap. She is sitting with her left elbow positioned on a nearby wooden side table. She's using a candlestick rotary phone...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.016 - Sculpture
This blown glass abstract sculpture is in a vase-like form. The primary sculpture is a translucent yellow, with an additional strand of blue glass that curls and wraps around the sculpture 2-3 rounds. In the last image provided upon accession, this sculpture is intended to sit with the smaller portion (with signature) on bottom, so that the topmost portion is open and could potentially function like a vase. For stability purposes, this artifac...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.019 - Photograph
This is a black and white photograph of Sammie Nicely. Sammie has dreadlocks and a short gray beard. Sammie is wearing a white shirt layered beneath an open flannel shirt. He is also wearing a necklace, several bracelets, and several earrings. Sammie is looking into the camera and has both of his hands positioned behind his head. This headshot of Sammie is recognizable, indicating that this particular photo may be a copy. It has been said tha...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.020 - Sculpture
Framed mixed media sculpture of a doll-like figure by Aundra McCoy. The figure is made from a purple and pink patterned cloth and is decorated with purple beaded "hair," a multi-colored beaded necklace, a multi-colored beaded bracelet on the left arm, a blue bead attached to the right arm, and a cowrie shell placed on the groin area. The cowrie shell symbolizes fertility in many cultures. It is assumed that the placement of the cowrie shell on th...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.021 - Sculpture
Framed mixed media sculpture of a doll-like figure by Aundra McCoy. The figure is made from a blue patterned cloth and is decorated with blue/green beaded "hair," a multi-colored beaded necklace, a multi-colored beaded bracelet on the left arm, a blue bead attached to the right arm, and a small metal bell (without the moving ball inside) placed on the groin area. It is assumed that the placement of the bell on this figure indicates that this figu...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.023 - Sculpture
Sculpture by Sammie L. Nicely of a face and/or mask with an elongated and protruding nose, a small circular mouth, and small circular eyes. All three of these traits are commonly found in Sammie Nicely's work, in addition to the broader face/mask motif and the use of bright colors. Specifically, this sculpture features green and yellow hues in the glaze. The face is surrounded by naturally colored clay in hues of gray and beige, with dozens of te...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.024 - Sculpture
This found objects and built sculpture set is comprised of three portions: (a) a corroded metal lid, which appears to be a car part or once-functional piece of metal; (b) a large bowl that has dried natural materials (potentially potpourri); (c) and a corroded metal stand. The stand has several series of letters imprinted where the legs meet the base, including: "DA96", "DB96" (twice), "DD96", and "132RE" (four times). Research shows that these i...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.025 - Sculpture
Fish sculpture made by Sammie Nicely. This fish features a white/brown/gray body with deep blue details on the eye, lips, and side. This fish also features white and pink buttons on the eye and on the side (8 buttons total). There are also carved details on the fins. "NICELY TN 1989" is carved on the back, in addition to a tag that reads: "42. SAMMIE NICELY."
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.026 - Sculpture
Fish sculpture made by Sammie Nicely. This fish features a white/black/gray body with teal lips and a pinkish hue on the fins. There are also carved details on the eye and the fins. "NICELY TN 1985" is carved on the back.
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.027 - Sculpture
Fish sculpture made by Sammie Nicely. This fish features a white body and fins with blue, green, and pink details. The face is pink with teal lips. There are also carved details on the body and the fins, including textured circular indentions seen on other Nicely sculptures. "NICELY TN 1985" is carved on the back.
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.029 - Artwork
This is a shallow, handmade ceramic bowl or platter by Sammie L. Nicely with a painted image of trees and a sky. The image features green, brown, and black trees with an open green space in the foreground—potentially a pond or a body of water. The sky is painted pink and features blue and white hues near the top. The border of the painting is comprised of unpainted clay with small, textured, circular indentions. The bowl stands on two clay legs. ...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.030 - Sculpture
Untitled small framed fish sculpture by Sammie Nicely. This fish features a white body with yellow, pink, and green spots that bleed together. The face is purple with white lips and the eye is a small red bead. The back fin is also a purple hue, almost a deep blend of red and dark blue or brown. The frame is gilded, and "nicely" is inscribed under the fish. "F 85.00" is written on the back in the top left corner.
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.032 - Sculpture
Sculpture of a human-like figure. The body is made of metal in a red/orange hue. The body is attached to a stained block of wood. The figure does not seem entirely attached and can rotate if handled improperly. There is a hole in the block of wood where the peg/attachment piece is visible from the bottom. This artwork is not signed, so an artist is not definitive. However, the museum currently attributes this sculpture to Sammie Nicely, as it...
Record Type: Object
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2015.006.033 - Sculpture
Sculpture in the form of a basket. Thin metal wires are twisted and bent to create a small hexagonal pattern on the body of the basket. The rim of the basket is lined with twisted tree branches, copper wiring, and found objects.
Record Type: Object