Arm Bands Collection

Noapeh, an Assiniboin Indian and Psihdja-Sahpa, a Yanktonan Indian
STC103847 Noapeh, an Assiniboin Indian and Psihdja-Sahpa, a Yanktonan Indian, plate 12 from Volume 2 of Travels in the Interior of North America, engraved by Chollet and J

Arm band (gold, pearls & ruby)
1071044 Arm band (gold, pearls & ruby) by Asian School, (19th Century); 11.7x6.5x7.6 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; gift of David T. Owsley via the Alconda-Owsley Foundation; out of copyright

Truro railway station, Cornwall. 1914-1918
Three male and two female staff standing on the platform during the First World War. The women wear GWR armbands. A train stands alongside the next platform. Photographer: Arthur William Jordan

Kenya, Rift Valley Province, Tum. An old Turkana medicine man. His wooden necklaces are charms to ward off evil spirits

A Karo man with braided hair plays a traditional stringed instrument beside the Omo River near Duss. Young men settle disputes by fighting with hippo hide whips

Young Ma-Has-Ka, Chief of the Iowas, 1837, illustration from The Indian Tribes
BAL122954 Young Ma-Has-Ka, Chief of the Iowas, 1837, illustration from The Indian Tribes of North America, Vol.1, by Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall, pub

Naw-Kaw or Wood, a Winnebago Chief, illustration from The Indian Tribes
BAL122944 Naw-Kaw or Wood, a Winnebago Chief, illustration from The Indian Tribes of North America, Vol.1, by Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall, pub

Scout ARP armbands
Scout Air Raid Precautions armbands circa 1940

Two policewomen registering for war work
Two Met Police women registering for war work at a labour exchange in London

War Reserve policemen, London
A group of War Reserve policemen in London pose for their photograph during the Second World War. They are wearing tin helmets and striped armbands

The Great Army of Armleteers
A procession of men all wearing armbands to denote that they have attested to enlist as part of the Derby scheme to boost recruitment during World War One

Prussian Dragoons leaving Berlin; Franco-Prussian war, 1870
Illustration showing a crowded railway scene with Prussian Dragoons leaving Berlin for the front at Mayence, 1870. Refreshments were handed round by women wearing cross armbands

Bracelets and armbands, Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, Africa

Policeman & Police Car
A policeman wearing white armbands used when directing traffic, stands next to a police car with a Stop Police sign on the back

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"Embracing Tradition and Beauty: Arm Bands Across Cultures" From Noapeh, an Assiniboin Indian, to Psihdja-Sahpa, a Yanktonan Indian, they have long held significance in various cultures. These ornate accessories transcend time and continents, symbolizing power, status, and cultural identity. In Truro railway station during the tumultuous years of 1914-1918, a glimmering arm band adorned with gold, pearls, and ruby caught the eye of passersby. Its wearer exuded elegance amidst chaos—a testament to resilience in times of war. Traveling eastward to Kenya's Rift Valley Province lies Tum—a place where arm bands tell tales of heritage. A Galla girl from Kenya's Coast Province dons her finest attire embellished with an exquisite arm band that reflects her rich cultural heritage. Further north in Kenya resides a Nyag atom girl whose body bears unique scarification patterns. Her arm band complements these markings—each stroke representing stories passed down through generations. In Dassanech territory along the Omo River basin stands a Nyangatom woman grinding sorghum with two stones. Her simple yet striking arm band serves as a reminder of unity within her community—a bond strengthened by shared traditions. Venturing into Karo lands reveals a man with braided hair skillfully playing a traditional stringed instrument. His intricately designed arm band resonates harmoniously with his music—an artistic expression intertwined with his identity. Turning back time to 1837 brings us face-to-face with Young Ma-Has-Ka—the esteemed Chief of the Iowas tribe. Adorned in regal attire complete with an elaborate arm band encrusted in precious gems; he personifies leadership and honor among his people. Naw-Kaw or Wood emerges from history books as another notable figure—an illustrious Winnebago Chief whose arm band signifies his authority and wisdom.