Lab Hours

I spent approximately three to four hours this past week researching my objects. Some of the items, like the Lyrebird were easier to find information about, but information pertaining to the other objects was a little more scarce. However, I'm finding more information about items that are similar to the pouch from Burma.

Lyrebird, lyrebird...

When I first laid eyes upon the feathers I drew in the Beardsly Collection, the first thing I noticed was the exotic beauty about them. In fact, I never would have imagined that these feathers as they appear today beloned to a real bird. Knowing these items were not fabricated from various sources makes an amazing item even more exciting to research.

 

After researching the Lyrebirds I began to feel a little silly when I found out they are apparently one of Australia's most recognizable birds. I don't consder myself anything close to an Ornithologist, but I like to believe that I know at least a little bit about the natural world. Quite frankly I found it a little embarassing when I realized how famous these birds are! Either way, the Lyrebird is found in Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania. The tail feathers which give them their beautiful appearance are found on males of the species, who fan them out during their mating rituals. It's also interesting to note that the species' common name was derived from the Lyre, a Greek instrument.

 

On Tuesday we learned that George was most likely a teacher, and would use these items to share the natural world with the public. It brings me great satisfaction to know that over 80 years after his death, George Beardsley is still teaching people about the world.

 

 

As the Lyrebird is a denizen of Australia, I believe it is safe to say that the feathers in the collection were acquired on the island. I'd like to believe that George found these two items particularly sentimental, as he shared his adopted home with them.

 

Item Pictures

This is long overdue...

 

 

 

Lab Hours

Over the past week I spent time going over the required reading from the past week, along with reading the assigned reading for this past week. I spent time going through the discussions and trying to think of certain things that could be added, on top of considering what other students discussed. It appears we are off to a very good start. All together, probably around 2 hours.

Lab Hours

Tuesday 2/4: Matched my drawn accession numbers to their items in the catalog on sacct.
Thursday 2/6: Visited the museum to find my artifacts.
Monday 2/10: Finished setting up my blog.

What I'll be researching

Slithering through the collection?! The inspiration for my strange title is one of the items I drew, a knife with a beautifully carved snake slithering up the hilt.

74-2-12 A
74-2-12 B
A carved ivory lid and broken ring.

74-2-31 A
74-2-31 B
Two bird feather dance objects.

74-2-54
Flint and tinder pouch from Burma.

74-2-64 A/B
Knife with serpent around handle.

74-2-72 A
74-2-72 B
74-2-72 C
Three fans from Tahiti.

I am very excited to find out about these items.