Realia Collection
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Realia Collection
- Identifier
- BMRC.NU.REALIA
- Repository
- Northwestern University, Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies
- Language
- English
- Size
- 30.0 Linear feet
- Dates
- 1994-2010
Historical note
Many items in this collection were scattered throughout the Herskovits Library and the greater Africana Collection. In the early 2000s, Esmeralda Kale, Bibliographer of Africa, created an internal Microsoft Access database to impose intellectual control over the collection and to facilitate its use for exhibits. The collection has grown over the years, with the bulk of original materials relating to the 1990 release of Nelson Mandela and subsequent 1994 and 1999 ANC election victories; new materials are collected in anticipation of events in South Africa, such as the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The library engages local dealers, students, and faculty to scout and purchase additions to the collection.
Scope and Contents note
This is a collection of buttons, keys, tee shirts, etc. relating to the 1994 and 1999 South African Elections, as well as materials relating to the HIV/AIDS crisis, the World Cup, and other local issues.
Processing Information note
This collection was surveyed as part of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium's Survey Initiative on 2010 March 22 by Lauren Kalal and Andrew Steadham.