By Kiyomi Mino ‘16, Student Assistant to the Curator In today’s society, sleek and discrete high tech devices controlled by complex computer coding and identity verification systems ensure that only those with special approval have access to privileged places. While today’s “locks” purposely have an inconspicuous design so as not to attract the attention of […]
“Telling history through things is what museums are for.” Neil McGregor, British Museum
“Telling history through things is what museums are for.” Neil McGregor, British Museum
Spiny Lobster, late 19th century
Although this object might at first glance appear to be a spiny lobster, it’s actually an intricate ivory model, created in Japan towards the end of the 19th century. With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Japanese feudal system was finally eliminated, and Japan emerged as a modern, industrialized country. The Japanese government encouraged artists to […]
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s copy of the Laws of Bowdoin College
The Laws of Bowdoin College were published for two purposes: to publicize the rules and regulations for administering the College, and to convey to students how they were expected to conduct themselves within the College community. As such, the Laws served both as a summary of the College by-laws and as a student handbook. Although […]