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MA archaeology students to launch exhibitions

4 May 2006

MA students from the UCL Institute of Archaeology are launching exhibitions next week as part of their degree course.

Pachamama statue

'Living Collections', the work of 21 students taking the Museum & Site Interpretation option, focuses on museum collections as living resources, with multiple meanings according to the context in which artefacts are presented. For example, the striking 'trampa vaso', an Andean drinking vessel, can be used to illustrate rituals in the region as well as technological developments in pottery-making.

The ethnographic, zooarchaeological and archeometallurgical materials on display, including a llama trivia - a Peruvian musical instrument made from llamas' toenails - date from 19th century to the present day. The exhibition explores motivations behind collections, such as supporting teaching and preserving personal memories.

'Breaking Boundaries: A World of Possibility' has been designed by 18 students on the MA Museum Studies course. As UCL celebrates its 180th anniversary, the exhibition examines innovation throughout the university's history, including research going on today.

The diversity of the university's pioneers and their breakthroughs is a key theme, one which is complemented by reflections on the impact of these innovations on today's world, for example prison reform and genetics research. Developments in education, such as object-based learning and interdisciplinary study, are also examined.

Both exhibitions will open on 10 May 2006 and will be accessible for a year. 'Living Collections' is in room 612 at the Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square while 'Breaking Boundaries' is based at the North Cloisters of the Wilkins Building, Gower Street.

For more information, follow the links at the bottom of this article.

Image: Bolivian pachamama representing Mother Earth, an exhibit in Living Collections