Photograph of Etta Moten Barnett behind a collection of carved ivory

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.

This is a black and white photograph of Etta Moten Barnett seated behind a collection of carved ivory displayed on a low table. Seated sideways to the table, she twists her torso to the right to face the viewer. Wearing a long sleeved white blouse with a brooch at the neckline and a grey straight skirt, her left hand rests on her knees and her right hand behind her right hip. On the table is a long elephant tusk carved into a line of elephants in an arch marching towards a crocodile’s mouth. Next to it are two sections of tuck that are displayed vertically, carved with palm trees. In front of the arched tucks are six smaller carvings in the shape of people and elephants. Hanging on the wall behind Etta Moten Barnett is a large black and white checked cloth. A few of the squares have geometric designs in them.

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