In November 2013 team member Ali Clark gave a talk on Pacific Art and Anthropology to the Oundle School Archaeology and Anthropology Society. This talk established an informal relationship between the project and the school and last week we hosted lower sixth form student Annabelle Barker for a day’s work experience. Annabelle is considering studying Anthropology at university and the day was designed to give her a taste of museum project work. Annabelle writes of the day:

Being the slightly nerdy budding anthropologist that I am, my day with Dr Clark was as enjoyable as it was eye opening. Starting off the day with several items from the collection of Edward Henry Meggs Davis, we began by measuring and photographing them. Amongst the treasures from the far flung islands of Micronesia, Polynesia and the Solomon Islands were intricately carved shell wrist bands, three beautifully woven belts and a large wooden fish hook to name but a few. Dr Clark and I with the help of curator Polly Bence, measured, described and photographed each item before updating the British Museum database. The work was highly useful in providing me with insight into the meticulous and fascinating preparation required to curate large collections of artefacts.

After lunch, we made our way to the British museum where we identified more objects from the same collection that were already on display including an ornate grave stand and a shark coffin. To finish, a visit to the anthropological library also showed me a fantastic resource for research for the future. All in all it was a thoroughly interesting day and I am grateful to Dr Clark for letting me participate.

Annabelle Barker

Oundle School Sixth Form