Cultural Activity Report 6 ✓ Solved

CULTURAL ACTIVITY REPORT 6 Cultural Activity Report

Assignment Instructions: Write a comprehensive report on a cultural activity or exhibit you have experienced. Include details about the location, artifacts or items observed, their cultural significance, and your personal reflections on the experience. Provide a detailed analysis that demonstrates understanding of the cultural context and significance of the artifacts or activities discussed. Include references to credible sources to support your observations and analysis. The report should be approximately 1000 words, well-organized, and include an introduction, body with descriptive and analytical content, and a conclusion.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The exploration of cultural artifacts and activities provides invaluable insights into the rich histories, beliefs, and traditions of different societies. Visiting museums, cultural centers, or participating in local traditions enables individuals to connect with diverse cultural backgrounds. In this report, I will describe my visit to the Bowers Museum in California, a renowned institution known for its extensive collections of artifacts from around the world. I will focus on two specific artifacts: the Fijian Human Tooth Necklace and the Whale Tooth Necklace, analyzing their cultural significance and reflecting on my personal experience during the visit.

Description of the Artifacts

The Bowers Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, with items originating from various regions, including the Pacific Islands, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. During my visit, I was particularly captivated by two artifacts originating from Fiji and surrounding islands: the Fijian Human Tooth Necklace and the Whale Tooth Necklace. Both artifacts exemplify the craftsmanship and cultural symbolism inherent in Pacific Islander societies.

The Fijian Human Tooth Necklace

This artifact is a sculpture composed of 138 teeth, primarily incisors and canines, arranged in a cross-woven pattern. The teeth appear to have been extracted from multiple victims, reflecting a historical context of conquest and dominance. The necklace is approximately 12.5 inches in length and 1.25 inches in width, made in the mid-19th century, and copyrighted by Tribalmania. The arrangement and material suggest it was a symbol of power and status, often associated with warriors or chieftains. Such necklaces likely played a role in ceremonies or as a display of conquest, with each tooth representing a victory over an enemy or an ancestor's lineage.

The Whale Tooth Necklace

Contrasting with the human tooth necklace, this artifact is composed of 20 sperm whale teeth carved into pointed tusk-like forms, strung together with fiber rope. Measuring approximately 13.5 inches long and 1.6 inches wide, this necklace dates from the 18th to 19th centuries and symbolizes honor, wealth, and social status among Pacific Islanders. It was typically worn by high-ranking individuals or leaders and received as tokens of loyalty and recognition of political or social allegiance. The craftsmanship demonstrates the importance of marine resources and ritualistic symbolism in Pacific Island cultures.

Analysis and Personal Reflection

The visit to the Bowers Museum was a profound educational experience, allowing me to observe firsthand the artistry and cultural symbolism embedded within these artifacts. The human tooth necklace reminded me of the practices of warfare and dominance in indigenous societies, where trophies from enemies signified prowess and social status. Such practices, although seemingly brutal, held deep cultural importance and were intertwined with the societal values of honor and ancestral veneration.

Similarly, the whale tooth necklace exemplified the high regard for marine resources and the importance placed on social hierarchy. The craftsmanship reflects a sophisticated understanding of materials and an emphasis on ritualistic significance, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecology, spirituality, and social structure. The artifacts embodied values of respect, status, and spiritual connection which are vital to understanding Pacific Islander culture.

My experience at the museum deepened my appreciation for cultural artifacts as tangible connections to history. It also underscored the importance of preserving such artifacts and understanding their cultural context. Recognizing the symbolism and craftsmanship involved helped me appreciate the diversity of human expression and the unique ways societies communicate identity and values through objects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the visit to the Bowers Museum provided a compelling glimpse into the cultural significance of Pacific Islander artifacts. The human tooth and whale tooth necklaces exemplify the artistry, societal values, and spiritual beliefs of their respective cultures. Such artifacts serve as powerful symbols of history, social status, and cultural identity, enriching our understanding of diverse human traditions. Personal exposure to these objects fosters greater cultural appreciation and highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

References

• Gosden, C., & Marshall, Y. (1999). The Cultural Biography of Objects. World Archaeology, 31(2), 169-178.
• Skinner, H. D., & Phillipps, W. J. (1953). Necklace Pendants and Amulets from the Chatham Islands and New Zealand. The Journal of the Polynesian Society, 62(2), 171–192.
• Kisling, V. (2016). Pacific Islands Art. In E. A. T. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Indigenous Cultures (pp. 45-50). ABC-CLIO.
• Bowen, J., & Duncan, W. (2010). Art and Culture in Oceania. Pacific Arts Journal, 12(3), 224-242.
• Adams, W. (2005). The Social Significance of Pacific Island Treasures. Anthropological Review, 79(4), 543-559.
• O'Reilly, S., & Lata, M. (2013). Material Culture and Identity. In R. Green (Ed.), Cultural Heritage and Social Identity in Oceania (pp. 89-103). Routledge.
• Harrison, R. (2014). The Ethics of Cultural Heritage. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 20(7), 690-702.
• Smith, L. (2011). Indigenous Art Forms of the Pacific. Journal of Pacific Island Cultures, 3(1), 12-27.
• Greene, S. (2018). Ritual Symbolism in Oceanic Cultures. Heritage and Society, 9(2), 145-161.
• Williams, P. (2020). Cultural Significance of Marine Resources in the Pacific. Maritime Anthropology, 15, 33-47.