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Anthropology and Archaeology

October 22, 2012



“He who knows nothing, loves nothing. He who can do nothing understands nothing. He who understands nothing is worthless. But he who understands also loves, notices, sees … The more knowledge is inherent in a thing, the greater the love.… Anyone who imagines that all fruits ripen at the same time as the strawberries knows nothing about grapes.” 

Paracelsus

Finally the photos of the visit to the Anthropology and Archaeology Museum in Cambridge. Travelling is amazing and visiting a museum is the next best thing – you not only travel to other exotic places but it also allows you to travel in time. I find it extremely stimulating. I always feel like sitting down and drawing after visiting these places, too bad I’m normally on the go and don’t have that much time for it.

The museum has an archeological collection with some local artifacts, which is quite small. I found the anthropology section a lot more fascinating. It was a small but very good collection, with specimens from all over the globe. I am fascinated by textiles and embroidery and of course traditional costumes as their richness is fascinating and inspiring. The colours and textures have a huge effect on my imagination and as always, I took some photos for reference and hope you enjoy them too.

The museum is situated across from the Sedgwick Earth Sciences Museum, which I have already covered here.

The main hall, around which all the other displays are arranged.

 Beautiful headdress from China.
 Noh masks from Japan.
 Dia de los Muertos, Mexico.
 India

 Mongolian head pieces. 
 North American, as well as the next 3 images.

 Excuse the glare on these last 2 photos but I had to take photos to somehow document what I experienced when I saw this transformation mask. You see, transformation masks are fairly common but they usually have  an animal shape which then reveals a human face. I have seen many throughout the years – in museums and books – but have never seen an anthropomorphic one. I have no idea why but it nearly moved me to tears as I stood there contemplating its beauty and spiritual meaning. My eyes felt a little wet, I must say. Call me crazy if you like.

 There was an exhibition of works by a British artist that had gone to Africa and was doing a project based on conversations with some people infected by HIV. I have misplaced the leaflet in the meantime and can’t remember the name, but I did enjoy some of the pieces.

 Japan

 Moche pottery from Peru, 100-800 AD. I found the expressions of some of these pots amusing. I am also interested in Peruvian artifacts and culture as Mr D is of Peruvian ancestry, so that is kind of an incentive to try and learn more about it.

What was your favourite artifact?
Have a lovely week everyone!

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13 Comments

  • Reply helen at thelovecatsINC October 22, 2012 at 11:20

    great post 🙂

    from helen at http://www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc

    ps. enter my giveaway to win 30 beauty products inc. essie and more! it's worldwide too!

  • Reply The Style Crone October 22, 2012 at 13:33

    These images from the museum are absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply Connie October 22, 2012 at 15:31

    I just love natural history museums. When I first moved to New York City I didn't know very many people so I used to hang out in the halls of the Natural History Museum on the upper west side. It made me feel more part of humanity and less lost in the crowd. Lovely post

  • Reply Vix October 22, 2012 at 16:24

    I could loose myself in there! The Mexican adn Indian artefacts are absolutely stunning! x

  • Reply Style Sud-Est October 22, 2012 at 16:43

    Hi Sara!

    wow Sara you look so lovely, i have been looking at the last 2 posts – you are radiant!
    Love all those places you are travelling to – I love England – i have been only once
    Thanks for the update on the collar and looking forward to the parcel i will have a special piece for you as well…

    Ariane xxxxx

  • Reply Style Sud-Est October 22, 2012 at 16:43

    I as Vix liked the Indian and Mexican artefacts, amazing!

  • Reply Sacramento Amate October 22, 2012 at 19:07

    Thank you for this wonderful tour, my wonderful Sara.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  • Reply Aminta Paiz October 22, 2012 at 19:14

    I always learn a lot from you!!! … I think I love the headpieces and masks.. 😀

  • Reply Helga! October 23, 2012 at 01:53

    OOOOOOO,amazing pictures!
    I love the Dia de los Muertos best!
    I'd love to spend a few hours there! XXX

  • Reply Allison October 23, 2012 at 19:38

    I would love the anthropology section as well! I love those japanese masks!
    🙂
    Allison
    A's Fashion Files
    Shop Kawaii Kitsch by A on Etsy!

  • Reply Midwest Muse October 24, 2012 at 02:59

    This looks amazing.

  • Reply Amber of Butane Anvil October 25, 2012 at 00:04

    What a stunning range of decorative and spiritual aesthetics – thank you so much, Sara! My favourite is also the incredibly moving transformation mask, but also the Moche pottery – particularly the figure in the stylish checkerboard cloak with the inclined head.

  • Reply city November 23, 2012 at 08:40

    thanks for sharing.

  • Leave a Reply to Aminta Paiz Cancel Reply