"Discover Archaeology" Interactive Bone Display
ASBC Nanaimo 2nd Annual
August 23, 2003
Due to the success of last year’s event at the Nanaimo District Museum, we were asked to do an encore performance. As in the previous year, the bone display focused on how bones can give us clues about the archaeological record, such as seasonality and subsistence. A top notch team of individuals was assembled to wow the public with their knowledge: Daphne Paterson, Imogene Lim, Julie Cowie, Eleanor Routley, Nadine Simpson, Donna Hill, and Warren Wulff
The display itself mirrored last year’s display. 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 in 2001. Many archaeological books were also available for the public to browse through. Shaw Cable came by to tape our event and I am hoping to have that broadcast on this web page. Stay tuned for that segment.
Over fifty people came to the museum specifically for this event, with a vast majority of that number being children. Four separate groups came from Gabriola Island. One young woman from Gabriola wowed our volunteers with her knowledge of fauna and the fact she has her own bone collections (much to the worry of her mother!). I bet there is at least a biologist in the making there. Our volunteers were very impressed at the enthusiasm and knowledge of all the children. Most were very interested in how people and animals are alike, while the eagle and swan skulls on display dazzled others. Below are some photos of some of those wonderful children that came out.
There was also the opportunity for participants to make their own stone or bone tools. This was well received by the kids, with some kids staying over half an hour to work on their tools. For me it was more fun watching them try different knapping techniques than making my own “demonstration” tool. There were a few band-aids passed out but overall the kids had a blast.
For me, the day was a total success. The excitement and genuine interest displayed by the kids was enough to make us repeat this event next year. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this event such a success.
~Julie Cowie