This North African Cage was created in Egypt by a unknown contemporary artist. Acquired at a market place its seller was very reluctant for the object to be taken from the country. According to local tradition, it is this cage that houses the spirit of the grain. If this spirit is taken from Egypt, superstition suggests to the locals that their harvest may fail. This Welsh Border Fan, circa 1970, was created by Welsh straw artist M.A. Myers from Wolvesnewton, Wales UK. Welsh Fans are among the oldest traditional designs in Britain and are commonly thought to be "house blessings". Made from a local variety of corn (wheat) known as Maris Widgeon, these types of fans were often found along the border of Wales, thus its name bares this distinction. All information, photographs and other artwork contained in this site are Copyrighted by The American Museum of Straw Art. Reproduction of any material is prohibited without prior written permission.