Primates - anthrozoological explorations

Monkeys feature in two bold, colourful tomb paintings that date from the ancient Egyptian New Kingdom/18th dynasty, during the reign of Amenhotep III. The tomb of nobleman and vizier Rekh-mi-Re, at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Theban necropolis, depicts "Nubians with a Giraffe and Monkey" (c. 1504 - 1425 BCE). In the scene, a giraffe with a monkey clinging to it's neck, is "herded" along by two male figures with long staffs....

https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2021/04/12/wall-paper-monkeys/

Wall/Paper Monkeys Monkeys feature in two bold, colourful tomb paintings that date from the ancient Egyptian New Kingdom/18th dynasty, during the reign of Amenhotep III. The tomb of nobleman and vizier Rekh-mi-Re, at…

"Two Monkeys Stealing Fruit from a Basket" is a painting by Baroque, Flemish artist Frans Snyders (1579 - 1657). Based in Antwerp, Belgium, he studied under painter Pieter Brueghel the Younger, and later worked in the studio of Peter Paul Rubins, with whom he collaborated - often adding animals to Rubin's paintings. In this realistic, rather chaotic scene, two monkeys have upset a basket of fruit and various dishes, as they choose their meal from an enticing array....

https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/11/29/primate-genre-painting/

Primate Genre Painting “Two Monkeys Stealing Fruit from a Basket” is a painting by Baroque, Flemish artist Frans Snyders (1579 – 1657). Based in Antwerp, Belgium, he studied under painter Pieter Brueghe…

Set in acres of ornamental gardens, forest and water features, the elegant Chateau de Chantilly, about 30 miles north of Paris, houses a major museum - Musee Conde. The extensive collection of paintings and drawings is second to the Louvre, and the immense collection of rare books is, perhaps, unequalled. From about the 12th century, the site has been the residence of prominent aristocratic families associated with royalty. [ 267 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/09/14/french-rococo-monkeys/

French Rococo Monkeys Set in acres of ornamental gardens, forest and water features, the elegant Chateau de Chantilly, about 30 miles north of Paris, houses a major museum – Musee Conde. The extensive collection o…

A bronze statuette from the Walter's Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland (U.S.A.) depicts a mother monkey and one of her young. She holds the baby on her lap, while eating a fruit. An ancient Egyptian sculpture, the work dates from the New Kingdom, c. 1400 - 1250 BCE. Primates were a popular subject in Egyptian art, often depicted in sculpture and tomb paintings. [ 123 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/monkey-statuettes/

Monkey Statuettes A bronze statuette from the Walter’s Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland (U.S.A.) depicts a mother monkey and one of her young. She holds the baby on her lap, while eating a fruit. An ancient…

A new group, Action for Primates, has been launched to campaign for primates worldwide, on issues of use and exploitation, such as in bush meat consumption, in zoos, laboratories, and in homes as pets. They also aim to education and raise awareness. They are a non-profit organisation and I would encourage you to follow them on their page… [ 123 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/action-for-primates-a-new-organisation-to-follow/

Action for Primates – a new organisation to follow! A new group, Action for Primates, has been launched to campaign for primates worldwide, on issues of use and exploitation, such as in bush meat consumption, in zoos, laboratories, and in homes as p…

A small female figure holds two monkeys in her arms. She is the "faraway goddess". The monkeys will lure her back and bring good luck again to the land of Egypt. Made of a distinctive, spotted blue faience, in an almost folk art style, this figure belongs to a series of images found in the eastern Delta region, north of Cairo, that date to around 945 - 525 BCE - the 22nd to the 26th dynasties. [ 104 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/05/25/the-monkey-and-the-goddess/

The Monkey and the Goddess A small female figure holds two monkeys in her arms. She is the “faraway goddess”. The monkeys will lure her back and bring good luck again to the land of Egypt. Made of a distinctiv…

Monkeys are represented in the arts of the ancient peoples of the south coast of Peru (the Ica region) - notably, the Paracas (c. 800-100 BCE) and the Nasca (c. 100 BCE-800 CE). Two objects found in the Metropolitan Museum collection in New York are especially note-worthy. A double-spouted, ceramic bottle with a projecting relief figure of a monkey from the Nasca Culture dates from c. [ 143 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/04/11/primates-in-peru/

Primates in Peru Monkeys are represented in the arts of the ancient peoples of the south coast of Peru (the Ica region) – notably, the Paracas (c. 800-100 BCE) and the Nasca (c. 100 BCE-800 CE). Two objects …

The "Hundred Acre Wood", of Pooh Bear fame, is the name of the planned, 100-acre home for orphaned chimpanzees in Liberia, on the West African coast. The Liberian Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection, or LCRP, was founded in 2010 by Jenny and husband/ vet Jimmy Desmond, with the help of their rescue dog Princess who has been nanny to many of the babies. [ 114 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2020/01/28/baby-chimp-rescue/

Baby Chimp Rescue The “Hundred Acre Wood”, of Pooh Bear fame, is the name of the planned, 100-acre home for orphaned chimpanzees in Liberia, on the West African coast. The Liberian Chimpanzee Rescue and…

Wildlife artist Deborah Ross has created many watercolors of primates - especially lemurs - and has exhibited her work in the U. S., South America, Africa and Madagascar. She taught drawing and painting to children in remote African villages, collaborated on a book on baboons with Dr. S. Strum, and worked with primatologist Dr. Alison Jolly on a series of books focusing on lemurs. [ 85 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/lemurs-in-art/

Lemurs in Art Wildlife artist Deborah Ross has created many watercolors of primates – especially lemurs – and has exhibited her work in the U. S., South America, Africa and Madagascar. She taught dr…

Masks play an important role in ritual in many parts of Africa - mask-making is a valued art, and artists are held in high esteem. The art has been passed down from father to son for many generations. Used in ceremonial dances for weddings, funerals and initiation rites, the subjects portrayed by masks are symbolic and many invoke protection for an individual or a group. [ 218 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/10/04/the-mask-of-the-monkey/

The Mask of the Monkey Masks play an important role in ritual in many parts of Africa – mask-making is a valued art, and artists are held in high esteem. The art has been passed down from father to son for many g…

Japanese netsuke - miniature sculptures - date from about the 17th century. These small toggles secured containers - pouches or boxes (inro) - to the sash (obi) of a robe or kimono. The containers might carry items such as to***co or medicine. Carvings of animals reflected myths and indigenous creatures, primates among the most popular. Most netsuke measure about 1 to 1 1/2 inches, and most were fashioned from wood, ivory, or, less common, various metals. [ 166 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/09/09/tiny-monkey-treasures-from-accessories-to-prized-art-objects/

Tiny Monkey Treasures: from accessories to prized art objects Japanese netsuke – miniature sculptures – date from about the 17th century. These small toggles secured containers – pouches or boxes (inro) – to the sash (obi) of a robe …

A noted wildlife artist specialising in primates, Essex-born Stephen D. Nash received degrees in graphic design/natural history illustration from the Royal College of Art, London. Nash worked for Conservation International, and has illustrated numerous books, including: Primates of West Africa, Lemurs of Madagascar, and Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Primates volume. He has won numerous awards and has been commemorated through the use of his name for the Brazilian t**i monkey - Callicebus stephennashi. [ 44 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/07/31/primates-by-nash/

Primates by Nash A noted wildlife artist specialising in primates, Essex-born Stephen D. Nash received degrees in graphic design/natural history illustration from the Royal College of Art, London. Nash worked for …

An online collection of primate images has been sourced from a wide variety of historical art from numerous countries. One can browse examples from antiquity to the 21st century. Instrumental in compiling this amazing collection was Stephen D. Nash, scientific illustrator and adjunct, associate professor at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Primates are represented in thousands of prints, paintings, ceramics, mosaics, and sculpture. [ 138 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/06/02/a-seminal-collection-of-primates-in-art/

A Seminal Collection of Primates in Art An online collection of primate images has been sourced from a wide variety of historical art from numerous countries. One can browse examples from antiquity to the 21st century. Instrumental in …

Amulets are among the most prolific artifacts found at ancient archaeological sites - often in burials. These were personal ornaments - meant to be worn or carried. Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian texts document the belief that amulets possessed supernatural power, mainly to protect against evil and misfortune. Most amulets were shaped like various animals, plants, celestial bodies and inanimate objects, but could also be natural objects such as shells, or even plant material. [ 274 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/monkey-power/

Monkey Power Amulets are among the most prolific artifacts found at ancient archaeological sites – often in burials. These were personal ornaments – meant to be worn or carried. Ancient Mesopotami…

The water clock, or clepsydra (Greek for "to steal water", or "water thief"), was an ancient device that measured the passage of time - the precursor of the hourglass (sand clock) and modern time-pieces. Usually a stone vessel with sloping sides, a small hole at the bottom allowed water to drip out at a rate that could be measured by small circles or grooves on the inside. [ 279 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/03/30/a-baboon-on-an-ancient-clock/

A Baboon on an Ancient “Clock”? The water clock, or clepsydra (Greek for “to steal water”, or “water thief”), was an ancient device that measured the passage of time – the precursor of the hourglass …

Monkeys are prevalent images in Mesoamerican art. Many examples are represented in a realistic style. The lesser-known Mezcala/Balsas culture of south-west Mexico created primate figures in a very different - rather abstract - style. Unfortunately, because few archaeological excavations have been undertaken in the area, little is known of this culture and its unique sculptures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a small, stone/serpentine monkey figure - approximately 3 inches high - from the Balsas River region of Guerrero State, which dates from between the 1st and the 8th c. [ 139 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/03/01/pre-columbian-artifact-ii/

Pre-Columbian Artifact II Monkeys are prevalent images in Mesoamerican art. Many examples are represented in a realistic style. The lesser-known Mezcala/Balsas culture of south-west Mexico created primate figures in a ver…

Monkeys - especially spider monkeys - were important to Mesoamerican cultures, and a popular subject for artists creating sculpture, pottery and textiles. Museums worldwide have examples of these objects in their collections. Forms range from the realistic to the stylized to the abstract. Monkeys figured in mythology, the Aztec calendar includes a monkey, and today, monkey impersonators are a part of religious festivals. [ 193 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/02/02/a-divine-primate-pre-columbian-artifact-i/

A Divine Primate – Pre-Columbian Artifact I Monkeys – especially spider monkeys – were important to Mesoamerican cultures, and a popular subject for artists creating sculpture, pottery and textiles. Museums worldwide have exampl…

At Luxor (ancient Thebes) four sacred stone baboons stand in a row on the pedestal of the remaining obelisk at the mortuary temple of Ramesses II (reigned 1292 - 1225 BCE) - it's twin stands in the Place de la Concorde, in Paris. The hefty, imposing figures represent the male hamadryas baboon - so sacred to the ancient Egyptians that many were ritually mummified after death. [ 230 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2019/01/04/mythological-baboons/

Mythological Baboons At Luxor (ancient Thebes) four sacred stone baboons stand in a row on the pedestal of the remaining obelisk at the mortuary temple of Ramesses II (reigned 1292 – 1225 BCE) – it’s …

Happy New Year! We’d like to wish our visitors all the very best for 2019 – Happy New Year or as we say in Scotland, Happy Hogmanay! Posts will resume sometime in January. Thanks again for reading!

On this World Gorilla Day, we direct you to the latest news on gorilla populations provided by Mongabay, which has both good news and bad news. And we also want to share this New York Times short documentary (2014) about the gorillas and park rangers of Virunga:
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/world-gorilla-day/

World Gorilla Day On this World Gorilla Day, we direct you to the latest news on gorilla populations provided by Mongabay, which has both good news and bad news. And we also want to share this New York Times short d…

A rare example of a primate trade item - a find from the ancient city of Susa, modern Iran, probably imported from Central Asia or the Indus Valley - can be seen in the Louvre, Paris. The small, red limestone monkey statuette - possibly a representation of an Asian macaque - is shown seated, and dates from the 3rd millennium BCE. [ 39 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/09/11/ancient-monkey-import/

Ancient Monkey Import A rare example of a primate trade item – a find from the ancient city of Susa, modern Iran, probably imported from Central Asia or the Indus Valley – can be seen in the Louvre, Paris. …

I have been meaning to post a link to a new study of zoopharmacognosy in red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons), but have been away from the website for a wee while due to some health issues. Apologies for the lack of posts from me over the past months. The research was conducted by Louise R. Peckre, Charlotte Defolie, Peter M. [ 202 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/zoopharmacognosy-red-fronted-lemurs-self-medicating-with-millipede-secretions/

Zoopharmacognosy – red-fronted lemurs self-medicating with millipede secretions I have been meaning to post a link to a new study of zoopharmacognosy in red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons), but have been away from the website for a wee while due to some health issues. Apolo…

Susan Shimeld, wildlife artist/natural history illustrator based at Larmer Tree Studio in Wiltshire, UK, creates paintings and drawings that focus on animals, including primates - especially endangered species. Shimeld has worked with Greenpeace, and as Wildlife Coordinator for Friends of the Earth, she wrote articles on animal welfare - she has protested the use of animals in entertainment. Originally self-taught, Shimeld more recently graduated from a natural history illustration course of study at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design, UK. [ 36 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/spotlight-on-orangutans/

Spotlight on Orangutans Susan Shimeld, wildlife artist/natural history illustrator based at Larmer Tree Studio in Wiltshire, UK, creates paintings and drawings that focus on animals, including primates – especially …

Self-taught wildlife artist Chris Wright resides in Surrey, UK. As Senior Programmes Officer for the Born Free Foundation, Chris specialized in the conservation of endangered species. He has traveled through Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America, and has drawn numerous animals - often, primates. His pencil drawings include: "Juvenile Chimpanzee", "Orang-utan Mother and Baby", "Hanuman Langur", "Crab-eating Macaques", and "Titus", a silverback gorilla who was featured in a BBC documentary. [ 76 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/graphic-primate-portraits/

Graphic Primate Portraits Self-taught wildlife artist Chris Wright resides in Surrey, UK. As Senior Programmes Officer for the Born Free Foundation, Chris specialized in the conservation of endangered species. He has trav…

Despite concerning data in the study detailing the pressures and decline of many primate populations in Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia and DRC, recent surveys confirm a rise in the Virunga mountain gorilla population in DRC - Positive news on the conservation front, where the number of mountain gorillas is over a 1,000 individuals. The survey found the Virunga population has risen to 604 among in 41 social groups… Compared to the 480 individuals counted in the last survey in 2010. The only other place mountain gorillas survive is in Uganda’s Bwindi […] via Population of Total Number of Mountain Gorillas Rises Above 1,000 — Primatology.net
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/total-number-of-mountain-gorillas-rises-above-1000-primatology-net/

Total Number of Mountain Gorillas Rises Above 1,000 — Primatology.net Despite concerning data in the study detailing the pressures and decline of many primate populations in Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia and DRC, recent surveys confirm a rise in the Virunga mountain …

A new study, Primates in Peril (Estrada et al 2018), published on 15 June focuses on the countries of Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 65% of all the worlds primates are found but where 60% are experiencing varying degrees of threat from human activities (threatened, endangered, critically endangered on the IUCN Red List). The research identifies loss and fragmentation of habitat as key to declining populations of primates in Brazil, Madagascar and Indonesia, while the greatest pressure on primates in DRC is the bushmeat trade. [ 92 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/brazil-madagascar-indonesia-and-the-drc-critical-to-primate-survival/

Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia and the DRC: critical to primate survival A new study, Primates in Peril (Estrada et al 2018), published on 15 June focuses on the countries of Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 65% of all the wo…

We are very, very sad to learn of the passing of Koko the gorilla. Koko died in her sleep at the age of 46. An excerpt from The Gorilla Foundation press release: "Koko’s capacity for language and empathy has opened the minds and hearts of millions. She has been featured in multiple documentaries and appeared on the cover of National Geographic twice. [ 79 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/the-death-of-koko/

The death of Koko We are very, very sad to learn of the passing of Koko the gorilla. Koko died in her sleep at the age of 46. An excerpt from The Gorilla Foundation press release: “Koko’s capacity for languag…

Scottish ceramic sculptor Julian Jardine has created numerous works featuring chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. He studied in Dundee at the Jordanstone Art College and has a degree in ceramic design. Jardine has taught ceramic sculpture/design and conducted workshops for children and adults. He was an artist in residence at Worcester Centre for Craft, Worcester, Massachusetts. Over the years Jardine has worked craft and trade fairs, completed freelance contracts for businesses, and shown his work in a number of galleries. [ 44 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/06/01/primates-from-scotland/

Primates from Scotland Scottish ceramic sculptor Julian Jardine has created numerous works featuring chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. He studied in Dundee at the Jordanstone Art College and has a degree in ceramic …

After World War II Picasso produced a variety of fanciful sculptures, including "Baboon and Young" (1951/cast, 1955), a bronze utilizing very unconventional materials. The mother baboon's face was formed by two toy cars borrowed from the artist's son, the tail incorporates an automobile spring, the ears two cup handles and the stomach a large jug. The rest of the playful work was modeled in clay. [ 58 more words ]
https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/05/05/whimsical-baboons/

Whimsical Baboons After World War II Picasso produced a variety of fanciful sculptures, including “Baboon and Young” (1951/cast, 1955), a bronze utilizing very unconventional materials. The mother baboo…

Born in Seattle, Washington, well-known photographer and wildlife advocate Art Wolfe has been recording endangered species for many years - often focusing on primates. His striking color photos emphasize composition and situation, while exploring the effects of light. Worldwide travels have included visits to wildlife refuges and rescue centers. In his many publications Wolfe takes the reader on a global journey, telling the stories behind the photographs, as well as discussing photographic tools and techniques. [ 41 more words ]

https://primatecarewelfare.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/unforgettable-primates/

Unforgettable Primates Born in Seattle, Washington, well-known photographer and wildlife advocate Art Wolfe has been recording endangered species for many years – often focusing on primates. His striking color pho…