January 21 – May 8, 2020
Animal Transformations displays an array of animal-related objects from the Fleming’s extensive collections. Led by Professor Jennifer Dickinson and Manager of Collections & Exhibitions Margaret Tamulonis, UVM’s Spring 2019 Museum Anthropology class (ANTH 250) took on the topic of human/animal relations while working with the Museum’s collections. The students worked closely with objects from the Fleming’s collections, deciding which would best represent the spectrum of ways cultural meanings come alive through animal objects. Throughout the process of creating the exhibition, students wrestled with overarching themes they found in the objects while also learning from museum staff what is required behind the scenes to bring an exhibition together.. Animal Transformations reflects the many roles the animal kingdom plays in human-made objects. The pieces in this collection were made to fulfill a variety of purposes, from the utilitarian to symbolic, everyday to extraordinary. Through this exhibition, the curators hope to give visitors a window into the many ways humans have transformed animal materials and imagery, from the installation itself to new labels in some of the Museum’s galleries that invite visitors to find animal transformations around them.
Feather “Headdress” from Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, Headdress, ca. 1940. Cassowary feathers, fiber Gift of Dr. David Nalin 2006.2.73.
Ivory “Rats” sculpture from Japan
Japan, Rats, early 20th century. Ivory. Gift of Katherine Wolcott 1939.1.21
Wooden “Mask” from Mexico
Mexico, Mask, early 1900s. Wood, teeth, leather, paint. Gift of 1935.5.1