The Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Bloomington accepts a significant selection of Yemeni jewelry and costumes from the David and Marjorie Ransom Collection.
The 400 pieces, which feature artifacts from Bedouin and tribal people of Yemen, as well as examples of finely crafted urban jewelry, appear in Marjorie Ransom’s book, Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Yemeni Regional Jewelry.
“I am delighted to make this donation to the University of Indiana Museum of Archeology and Anthropology,” said Marjorie Ransom. “I hope that this collection will provide students and others a view into the rich and ancient culture of this country on the Arabian Peninsula.” Ms. Ransom is writing a second book, this one on Yemeni silversmiths.
“We are very thrilled to receive this remarkable collection,” noted Ellen Sieber, Chief Curator at the museum. “Not only are the objects beautiful, Marjorie’s research provides the kinds of in-depth understanding the museum relies on for both meaningful exhibitions and student research opportunities.”
Parts of the Ransom Collection have been exhibited at the Bead Museum in Washington D.C.; the Jefferson Historical Society in Watertown, New York; The State University of New York in Potsdam, New York, the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan and the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, California. The Indiana Museum plans to mount its own exhibit of the donated collection in the near future.
"This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to the rich culture of Yemen, and its people’s appreciation of fine craftsmanship."
– Shelagh Weir, former curator for the Middle East at the British Museum
About
Ms Ransom has lectured widely in the US about the traditional jewelry of the Middle East.
About the book
This stunning volume is the first study ever made of Yemen’s handcrafted silver jewelry.