Sakura Flowers Mokuhanga Print Block Japanese Element
Textiles Culture and Curation
Anthropology Independent Study
Addison McNair
Asian lady
Pastelcore Museum Sticker

Course Goals and Objectives

During the fall semester of 2022, I, along with fellow senior Sophie Molloy, worked under the direction of Dr. Kedron Thomas in Anthropology 466 to create two curated exhibitions of ethnographic objects located within display cases in Munroe Hall (home to the Anthropology Department)


Pastel Yellow Square Blob With Shadow

Course Goals:

• DESCRIBE and APPLY major themes and concepts from material culture studies in anthropology.

• DISCUSS issues of power, politics, and representation that are important for museum curation and exhibition.

• DEMONSTRATE skills related to object selection, object analysis, and exhibition design. • IDENTIFY current best practices in museum curation and exhibition.

• IDENTIFY experts at UD and other institutions who work in the fields of material culture studies, anthropology, museum studies, and art history who can serve as resources for learning and applying best practices in museum curation and exhibition.

• PLAN and IMPLEMENT a curated exhibition of ethnographic objects that is informative, creative, and engaging for audiences of UD students, staff, faculty, and visitors.


Simple flower illustration.

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Japanese Material Culture

Flourishing Cherry Blossom Tree
japan map

Choosing a Collection

Dashed Line

We chose to display items from the personal collection of Professor Melissa Melby from her time conducting research in Kyoto, Japan. The kimono, along with several other times we displayed, was gifted to her by Keiko Suzuki.

Cherry Blossom Flower

Research

To better understand the curation process, we went on field trips to two different museums. We were given a tour by Dr. Amanda Zehnder, Chief Curator and Head of University Museums, of the University Museums at the University of Delaware. We gained an insight into the process of setting up an exhibit--from the selection of pieces all the way to finalizing the display and adding the labels. For further insight into Japanese textiles and the display process, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to tour the exhibit Kimono Style. We also received information on life in urban Japan, traditional and contemporary dress styles, and Coming of Age Day celebrations from Dr. Melby's connections in Japan, Atsuko Suzuki and Yumi Ebine

Corner Shape Element
Abstract shape element
Abstract shape element

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Front Display: Sustainability in Japanese Dress

Illustration of a Bag
White Circle Vector
Inky Lined Red Silk Cotton Tree Flower

The objects and photographs we displayed exemplify the longstanding tradition of recycling, repurposing, and reusing textiles in Japan. Mottainai, a sense of regret regarding waste and a related appreciation of the value of recycling and repurposing is reflected in Japanese material culture. We chose a photo of a Japanese hanten (winter jacket) as an example of constructing clothing from various scraps of material. We included a wooden box with a fabric-covered lid as well as a silk tote bag as examples of things that may be made from scrap fabric.

Kimono, Judo, Karate, Sport, Oriental Icon
Geometric Pattern
Diagonal lines pattern.
Simple Red Ogi Fan With Sakura Flower
Japanese Doll Clip Art

Back Display: Corner of a Young Japanese Woman’s Bedroom in Kyoto

Our Second display represents the bedroom of a 19-year-old Japanese woman living in Kyoto, Japan. The young woman is preparing for Seijin no Hi, Coming of Age Day- a rite of passage celebration for those turning 20. On Coming of Age Day many young women wear furisodes (formal kimono with long sleeves typically worn by unmarried women). However, our display features a houmongi- -a short-sleeved formal kimono. The items we displayed alongside the kimono include a Blackpink K-pop poster, anime posters, a kokeshi doll, a yunomi cup, an Iwako brand sweet treat eraser set, a set of zori shoes, kago bags, and a sensu fan.

Minimalist Red With White Sakuras Kinchaku Pouch Icon

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Geta Sandals
Flower trio
Flower trio

photos

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Photos

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Line Flower
Colorful Organic Shapes Background
World Scholar Outcomes
The World Scholar Progam outcomes that I gained during my time as a World Scholar that helped me as I worked on this project include
Acquired intercultural skills and experiences A sophisticated understanding of the complexities and norms of other cultures The ability to navigate and adapt to new situations and experiences with an advanced level of comfort competence and flexibility The ability to participate as an engaged and informed citizen in cross cultural dialogue The ability to develop relationships with and contribute to a global University community