Smith Library Center News

When Malindy Sings was the second of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry collections.  Dunbar, who died in 1906 at age 34, was among the first African-American writers to gain national prominence.

Special Collections holds 12 of his books, many of which have beautiful covers.  Margaret Armstrong, a famous book cover artist, designed a number these covers, including the one on display here.   Also of note are the photographic illustrations by the Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) camera club, one of the earliest institutions of higher education for African-Americans and Native Americans.  Booker T. Washington is perhaps its most famous alumnus.

Two of these books can be seen in the display case outside of Special Collections, and any of them can be read in the Special Collections Reading Room. For more information on these collections, please contact Special Collections at x1221 or x1634.

Mexican Manuscript Painting

Main Foyer — An exhibit of research projects from the Art History Capstone of the same name led by Prof. Patrick Hajovsky. It features facsimiles of pre-Columbian manuscripts from Central and Southern Mexico, and student work on reading the pictorial narratives within. The exhibit will be in the foyer of the library until mid-summer.

Portable Mayan Altar

One Book, One Case, One Exhibit; second floor — A new acquisition in Special Collections. Translation from Tzotzil to English by Ámbar Past.

Texts from Incantations by Mayan women; original title: Conjuros y ebriedades. Three volumes:
1. Hex to kill the unfaithful man / Tonik Nibak
2. Mayan love charms / Petra Hernández
3. Magic for a long life / Manwela Kokoroch. Hut-shaped cardboard case resembles an ancient Maya thatched house and opens up to a Maya altar inside.

The books are bound in handmade fiber paper, marbled endpapers, with graphics created by contemporary Mayan artists. Twelve small rainbow-colored candles, two clay candleholders in the form of animals, and an incense burner complete the objects needed to celebrate the traditional rituals of San Juan Chamula, Chiapas.