Discover Archaeology Display 2002
In February 2002, the ASBC-NB was invited by the Nanaimo District Museum to organize an archaeological display as part of their 35th Anniversary celebration, which took place on August 17. Thinking caps were hauled out of storage and we decided to put together an interactive bone display to introduce the public to archaeology through hands-on materials. The bone display focused on how bones can give us clues about the archaeological record, such as seasonality and subsistence. An area for manufacturing stone and bone tools was suggested so that the public could try their hand at making their own artifacts. A crackerjack team of individuals was assembled: Colleen Parsley, Dallas Dowson, Daphne Paterson, Dorothy Young, Gay Frederick, Imogene Lim, Julie Cowie, Lorrie Hayden, Nadine Simpson, and Susan Jones. Brains were humming as we hammered out the details, due partly to the great food at the potluck organizational meetings.
At last, the appointed day arrived and the display was constructed at the Nanaimo District Museum. It involved the skeletal remains of a variety of species, from a whistling swan to a beaver. A replica of a skeletal human arm and leg were brought to illustrate that though many species have bones, not all are arranged or look the same way. It was a very effective learning tool. We also featured the stratigraphy and archaeological principles display constructed for the Sharing Memories event last January. Many archaeological books were also available for the public to browse through.
Dorothy Young smashing bones to make bone tools Colleen Parsley showing a budding archaeologist how to make bone tools.
Although there were not many visitors to the Museum that day, those who did arrive to view the ASBC-NB display were impressed and asked many questions. Outside, the stone and bone tool manufacturing was a hit with the children as they could try their hand at making their own tool. They all chose to make bone tools but Julie, Dallas, and Nadine had a smashing time illustrating knapping techniques. Note: when using obsidian, wear gloves!
Gay Frederick and Dorothy Young discuss faunal analysis Julie Cowie and Dallas Dowson making stone tools
All in all, the display was a great success and the Nanaimo District Museum was very impressed with the quality of the display and the turnout of volunteers from the ASBC-NB. Hats off to those who helped and participated in the display. As always, the ASBC-NB has produced a high quality display that is not only informative but fun as well.
-Julie Cowie
Julie Cowie having a Big Lunch - Photo courtesy of the Nanaimo News Bulletin