• India, Mayuri, 19th century. Wood, metal, ivory, leather. Gift of Henry LeGrand Cannon 1898.1.712LA

  • Inuit (Alaska), Hat, early 20th century. Seal intestine, hide, wool, feathers. Gift of Dr. George Lyman 1941.18.23LA

  • United States, Scrimshaw, ca. 1870. Whalebone. Gift of Mrs. Frank Balch  1948.45.18

 

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

Image of a "Headdress" from Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, Headdress, ca. 1940. Cassowary feathers, fiberGift of Dr. David Nalin 2006.2.73.

Larger version of the Headdress (PDF).

Ivory "Rats" sculpture from Japan

Japan, Rats, early 20th century. Ivory. Gift of Katherine Wolcott 1939.1.21

Larger version of the Rats sculpture (PDF).

Wooden "Mask" from Mexico

Image of a mask of a monkey

Mexico, Mask, early 1900s. Wood, teeth, leather, paint. Gift of  1935.5.1

Larger version of the Mask (PDF).

Resources

Exhibitions Header

A diverse and exciting schedule of programming accompanies this exhibition

EVENTS & PROGRAMS


Spring 2020 Opening Reception

Friday, February 7

4:30-5:30PM: Tours of the exhibitions

5:30-7:00PM: Costume Art Ball

Hosted by UVM Provost Patricia Prelock, Fleming Director Janie Cohen, and the Museum’s Board of Advisors

Cocktail bar, hors d’oeuvres, and live music

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