Material Histories Workshop

The Material Histories Workshop took place at Marischal Museum in the University of Aberdeen on the 26th and 27th of April 2007. The workshop brought together curators, educators, beadwork artists, and students from Canada and Scotland to discuss the linked histories of Scots, First Nations and Métis people who participated in the fur trade, as well as the role of beadwork and other material traces in illuminating these historic, and enduring, relationships.

Over the two days, participants heard presentations on topics ranging from Cree concepts of the animate and inanimate to the current partnership between the National Museums Scotland and the Tlicho First Nation based around NMS’ fur trade collections.  They also took part in a beadwork class, in which they learned how to make a pin cushion with a beaded floral design.

Download the proceedings of the Material Histories Workshop here.

Workshop Photographs

Jenny Meyer shows Masha Nakshina how to start beading.
© Photograph by Sinéad O’Sullivan

Kevin Brownlee and Sherry Farrell Racette.
© Photograph by Sinéad O’Sullivan

Jennine Krauchi assists Nancy Wachowich and Alison Parfitt with their beadwork.
© Photograph by Sinéad O’Sullivan

Handling session.
© Photograph by Sinéad O’Sullivan

Handling session.
© Photograph by Sinéad O’Sullivan

Anthropology · Edward Wright Building · University of Aberdeen · Aberdeen · AB24 3QY
Telephone: +44 (0)1224-273124 · Fax: +44 (0)1224-273442 · Email: anthropology@abdn.ac.uk
For queries relating to the Material Histories project, please contact Dr Alison Brown · Email: alison.brown@abdn.ac.uk