Travels of Robert and Frances Hess

Small bell

A steel hand bell features a figure with a hat, holding what it seems to be a pan flute (multiple pipes in increasing length). It could be from South or Central America, where pan flutes are a common instrument.

Travel memorabilia

Although the focus of Robert L. Hess’s research was on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, the Dr. Hess and his wife, Frances Hess, traveled and collected objects from around the world. Dr. Hess also collected several travel journals, atlases, and studies of different countries, which are part of his collection in the Brooklyn College Archives.

Mani prayer wheel

Buddhist instrument with an inscription of the mantra “Om mani padme hum” (ओं मणिपद्मे हूं) in Sanskrit characters (Devanagari). The mantra is divided into six syllables (om/ m/ ani/ pa/ dme/ hum), and it starts where the pendant is attached. At the core of its cylinder, other mantras are wrapped around its center.

Incense holder

The main body of this object is probably made of bone, and displays two carved figures. On one side (not pictured), a meditative Buddha is carved. The opposite side shows a stupa, such as the one displayed in the book on the left. Stupas are structures that contain relics and are often used as a place of meditation. The one in this particular object seems to replicate Boudhanath, a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. The decorated base and top are probably made of bronze.

Muslim spoon

This wooden spoon is decorated with handwritten Arabic text. The spoon handle reads “In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.” This phrase is known as Basmala, and is recited before each chapter of the Qur’an.

Fork

This steel fork has three small bells attached to its handle, which is decorated with a geometric pattern. It could be a hair ornament.