Dr. Kate Driscoll’s Anthropology 374 Museum Studies class meets every spring semester to examine the “history, organization, and administration of museums as well as the methods of acquisition, preservation and exhibition of artifacts.” In conjunction with their studies, the class designs a new cultural exhibit in the glass cases on the second floor, west wing of Schroeder Hall to showcase artifacts from different cultures across the globe.
This year, 22 students worked in groups to collaborate and create their own unique exhibits using items from the Ethnology Teaching Collection housed in Schroeder Hall. The exhibits, which are located on the second floor west wing of Schroeder Hall, are left up for an entire year for passersby to observe and learn about other cultures. The Ethnology Teaching Collection, where all the artifacts students have available to them are catalogued electronically, is viewable online.
Museum Studies student exhibits, spring 2024
Light Up the World by Becky Blood, Emma Koerner, Rachael Kooistra, and Kate Norris
Light Up the World displays artifacts to showcase how various cultures chose to harness light historically. The cultures represented are Japan, China, Egypt, Mexico, the United States, India, and Nepal. Our goal with this exhibit is to educate students on how different cultures chose to integrate light into their daily lives in a decorative manner. If you visit our exhibit on the second floor of Schroeder Hall, you will find the different lamps, lanterns, and candle holders that are a part of ISU’s ethnology collection. We hope this sparks the viewers’ interest in Anthropology and encourages them to gain a greater appreciation for cultures worldwide.
Colores en México by Vanessa Hernandez, Katherine Williams, Liyah Williams, Nick Mies, and Valerie Howerton
Colors are so much more than just a way our eyes perceive something in the environment. Colors are used to communicate emotions, like anger or sadness. The colors we see in our everyday lives influence how we act and how we feel. In times past, scribes were adept at using color pigments derived from all sorts of natural sources such as flowers, rocks, soils, and many more. With our exhibit, Colores en México, we intend to promote knowledge of artistic folk cultures of Mexico through the display of various art forms to Illinois State University students interested in the arts and cultural studies. When approaching our exhibit, we made sure to put significant emphasis on including both Spanish and English translations of wording. As Illinois State University students walk past and glance at the exhibits, we hope that they will be initially drawn by the vibrant colors but stay for the enriching learning opportunities given.
Gone Fishing by Jon Oesterlein, Jesse Dees, Imaad Alam
For our exhibit we wanted to explore the similarities between fishing methods of the Philippines and Thailand. Our goal for this exhibit was to inform the Illinois State University students and faculty walking through this hall about various pan-pacific fishing methods within the region. We chose to use a visual medium like the artifacts in Illinois State University’s possession as part of its ethnology teaching collection. To help give some context on how these countries’ fishing practices evolved we compared the artifacts we found from these respective countries to modern-day versions of them and there isn’t much difference besides the materials. These types of fish traps and other tools to aid in fishing are mainly used in small-scale fishing in rice fields to prevent damage to the crops. Our hope was to help people learn something new about other countries and cultures and to leave a lasting impression in their minds. Next time you are free in between classes, try to come to our exhibit Gone Fishing, we will be back in five minutes.
Comida de Central América y Sur de México: Almacena. Preparación. Presentación. by Julian Marvel, Kyle Mulhern, Jordan Kennedy
Our exhibition, titled Comida de Central América y Sur de México: Almacena. Preparación. Presentación, offers a captivating exploration of the intricate processes involved in storing, preparing, and presenting food in Southern Mexico and Central America. Through a rich collection of food-related artifacts, the exhibit sheds light on the diverse culinary traditions and practices that have flourished in this region. By examining the unique geography of the area, visitors gain insight into how the natural environment brings together a rich array of raw materials and ingredients, which serve as the foundation for the region’s vibrant food culture.
Immersive displays and interactive experiences invite visitors to engage with the artifacts and learn about the traditional methods of food storage, preparation, and presentation employed by communities across Southern Mexico and Central America. From traditional utensils used in cooking to intricate food preservation techniques, each artifact tells a story of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and cultural significance. The exhibition aims to foster openness, positive interactions, and curiosity about Southern Mexican and Central American food and geography. By highlighting the diversity and complexity of culinary traditions in the region, the exhibit encourages visitors to appreciate the richness of cultural exchange and to develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of food, culture, and geography.
Tapestry of Life in the Philippines by Danielle Bovilsky, Grace Smith, and Heather Salmons
Our exhibit is all about the importance of textiles in the Philippines. It offers a creative and interactive display of artifacts used in the Philippines, including both artifacts for daily and ceremonial use. Deciding to incorporate both daily and ceremonial objects in our display was easy because you will see it offers a more well-rounded experience altogether. By seeing both on display you’re able to get a broader idea of the activities in the Philippines and the specific value each artifact holds. With the use of textiles in the Philippines, we were able to show the significance of each artifact chosen for display, the purpose of the material, and the role the objects played in the lives of the people’s lives who live there. The Tapestry of Life offers a look into how different textiles are used in the Philippines and by coming to visit our exhibit you will also see and learn about all the unique artifacts you might have had the opportunity to before. Coming to view The Tapestry of Life could spark a new interest for you, or even open your eyes up to how different but incredible life is around the world.
Hello Dolly! What’s in a Doll? by Louane Rimer, Annelise Quinn, Sarah Schroeder, and Kaitlyn Kropp
Our exhibit aims to examine variations in the construction and design of dolls based on the area of origin. We are defining a doll as an object representing a human figure. This includes children’s toys, ceremonial, and display figurines. While the word ‘doll’ means something different to every culture, the reoccurring presence of these types of objects across cultures presents an opportunity for comparing how the region impacts design. Dolls can act as a representation of cultural motifs in clothing style while simultaneously acting as a vessel for the creative expression of the individual viewer.
