ASSIGNMENT ONE - Session Six

Today began with a presentation by Erni Pelham relating to her research project. This was an interesting interlude, outlining key facts and findings, providing me with tips for my final presentation.

ASSIGNMENT ONE - CONTEXT No. 269

A PHARYNGEAL BONE FROM A BALLAN WRASSE FISH

My research journey began during a visit to the museum stores, where I noticed a photocopied image on the wall behind Gary Edwards desk which captured my attention. My object was staring me in the face, I found the object visually appealing, and at first glance I thought it was a piece of jewellery, a pendant encrusted with pearls, how wrong I was!

I had no idea of the scale of the object, the image was secondary, making it difficult for me to guage it's actual size. Object measurements: 4 cm long x 2 cm deep x 1 cm thick.

Within the stores on a shelf was a box of small transparent bags containing artefacts, my object was amongst this collection. I was offered the opportunity to handle it for the first time, becoming my primary source. Surprised at how small it was compared to the image, I wanted to find out more about this fascinating object.

My curiosity soon took over, formulating questions to begin my research process; What is it? - How old is it? - Where was it found? - Who found it? The secondary source information that I received, led me to it's place of discovery, the Foundry in Poole, and my primary source, David (Dai) Watkins, site archeologist, and author of a book "The Foundry - Excavations on Poole Waterfront 1986/87", this was an excellent starting point for my research.

Initially, I referenced maps of Poole to locate the Foundry site which was supported by Katie Heaton, a secondary source for my research. It became apparent that the information I was looking for was in David's book; back to my primary source.

The bone is context pit feature 269 of 443 fish bone fragments discovered. Dating the object was determined from the dig stratum data (C - G) showing periodic layers from the site, then analyzing the fragments and artefacts to determine dates.

The recorded data indicates 1405 - 1780.

I proceeded to use my secondary sources to gather further information about the object, and in particular the Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta) - 'Bollan' (Manx Gaelic), to identify the bone and it's function. A Pharyngeal bone containing teeth located at the back of the throat and part of the upper palete, to grind Crustations and Molluscs, after using it's sucker like mouth with large frontal teeth to consume it's staple diet from rocky coastal locations, it's natural habitat.

The size of the fish is approximate evidenced by secondary sources (records from known landed Ballan Wrasse in the Uk) : Weight 10 - 11 lbs (4.5 - 5 kgs) - Length 50 - 60 cm.

The 'Bollan Cross' with it's triangular shape was seen as representing the cross, so the Pharyngeal bone became known as a 'Crosh Bollan' in Manx, "A charm or good luck token (talisman) traditionally carried by sailors", although there is no evidence to support this.

The BC can also be found on stamps from the Isle of Man circa. 1981.

Further research supporting the Manx connection:

https://www.imuseum.im/search/collections/objects/mnh-museum-27832.html

Comments

OBJECTS FOR RESEARCH - Session Two

My chosen objects are a selection of tools which are part of the "Harbour Life" collection . Main research aims and specific areas of focus: Tools relating to "Harbour Life" and the local labour, trades and skills, such as woodworking, house building, and maritime related professions. To identify and describe the tools themselves. To identify the items that were produced by using these tools. Were the tools part of a toolkit owned by a local carpenter or tradesman? Did the tools belong to a local company as part of a manufacturing business? What were the tools used for specifically - boat building, household items such as furniture, house building and related components such as doors and windows - or possibly all of these? Other areas of relevant research to include: Piracy/Smuggling and the smuggler contraband story in 1747 The Wool Hall, Customs House, Town Cellars C14th/C15th and the rebuild of Customs House in 1813 - explore connections Thames St...

WHAT? WHERE? WHO? WHEN? - BEGINNING MY RESEARCH - Session Four

A pharyngeal bone from a wrasse Today at the Library with Ernie, Anna, Kat, Katie, and my fellow researchers, was a positive start in gathering useful information to begin my research. Katie introduced me to maps that I intend to use as references to pinpoint specific locations and information relating to my research. Poole foundry is the place where my research journey begins, as this is the place where my object was discovered. A comprehensive source to reference maps is the National Library of Scotland. An old map of Poole 1888 Katie shared a map of Poole dated 1888, and suggested accessing foundry reports that will support when my object was discovered and by whom. The foundry will be the starting point of my proposed timeline. I had a 1:1 with Katie to discuss my research plan, where to source specific information from, and who to contact. In pairs, the group shared two questions; What do I know about my object? and What do I want to find out? This opened up brief discuss...

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY - A DAY TO REMEMBER - Session Ten

Today at the library was for certain a day to remember, one journey of exploration and discovery comes to an end - but for me, it was the beginning of a new journey. This was our opportunity to display and share our final creations for all to see - and what an amazing collection! Such creativity and inspiring work was on display. With a diverse variety of materials, colours, forms, attention to detail, and individual expression, the room was filled with imagination, inspiration, positivity, and a sense of creative purpose. An absolute privilege, and a proud feeling to be part of the collection, surrounded by talented creatives who delivered a stimulating, impressive, and captivating visual experience. Time for reflection with coffee and cake Erni and Anna Ten weeks ago, I entered into a world of the unknown and a new challenge, meeting new people, and exploring an object that I had never been in contact with, and had no prior knowledge of - this was about to change. For...

EVALUATION AND PREPARATION - THE FINAL OUTCOME - Session Nine

The aim of today's session was to evaluate and reflect on the course, and to make a group plan in preparation for the final presentation. The group sharing event will take place at the library on the 5th of August, joined by invited guests who have played an integral role during the course. Anna, Kat, and Erni offered their ongoing constructive support and guidance which was welcomed by the group, resulting in another productive session! We were presented with questions relating to our personal experiences of the course, intended to evaluate outcomes with the opportunity to reflect on the course in general. What have you learned and discovered from Exploring Collections? What have you learned about art and museums? What have you learned about yourself? How would you like to take this forward? As a group, we wrote down our individual thoughts and experiences, then compiled the information to create a collaborative collection using words and phrases. This is intended to ...

CREATIVE RESPONSE - SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS ? - Session Eight

Today at the library was an opportunity to discuss and share our suggestions, thoughts, and ideas for our creative responses to our chosen objects. The group produced a collaborative contemporary frieze based on our visual creative interpretations. Each of us were then given a piece of paper to express our individual thoughts and ideas, and the opportunity to share this with the group for discussion. This gave me clarity of my initial ideas, and with visual interpretations, has confirmed my final creative response and design objectives. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENT TWO My suggestion is to produce wearable items based on the "Crosh Bollan" and it's symbolic reference as a talisman, and create a timeline that identifies key facts about the object from my research in the form of hanging mobile. I am proposing a "tessellated" design in the form of a postcard or printed T-shirt design that reflects the shapes and patterns within my object. I also...

INTERPRETATIVE RESPONSES - VERBAL AND VISUAL - Session Seven

The group let off some creative energy - Anna and Kat evaluate our collaboration Interpretative : "Meaning - Usage - Examples" Today at the library was a reflective, interactive, and creative experience - providing an introduction to assignment two. As a group, it was an opportunity to be creative with how we share knowledge about our chosen objects by reflecting our findings through visual and verbal representation. We were joined by Kate Davey from Outside In who presented an overview of the organization, and the support that they offer artists who face barriers when accessing the art world. VERBAL Kate was also keen to hear about our research objects, an opportunity for each of us to respond verbally to interpret our findings. I learnt that it is easier to describe something that I am familiar with, but being on the receiving end is far more difficult without visual references and background infor...

DORCHESTER MUSEUM VISIT - INTERACTION - SPACE - LIGHT - Session Three

" The building and it's spaces evoked an autonomous feeling with a practical, flexible, and thoughtful approach to design, resulting in a catalyst to freely explore the museum and it's intended function for a memorable visitor experience " THE SPACE My initial response to the museum embedded the importance of how effective design and architecture is used to create a space that evokes a "Less is More" approach. Looking towards the entrance The use of both natural and artificial lighting has been combined to offer balance and a sense of freedom in which to explore the museum. The spaces were inviting, with consistent flow that guided the visitor on an uninterrupted and memorable journey of exploration and discovery. Researching artifacts LOOKING AT SPACE AND LIGHT GETTING AROUND THE MUSEUM Everything was clearly displayed, with simple, easy to read floor plans, directional signage, and exhibit locations on all levels. Art space Typical floor plan INTE...

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO GAIN FROM TAKING PART IN THE COURSE - Session One

Taking part in this course will equip me with new skills, broaden my knowledge of the subject, and further my continued professional development. The course will also give me a sense of achievement, knowing that I have gained valuable experience that I can share with others in the future. My primary interest is in the development and design of poole Quay, and how the local community contributed to the ship and boat building industry that provided a vital source of work and income, boosting the local economy, and as a result, the greater economy through shipping and trade. I intend researching objects that represent boat building; such as tools, site maps of poole quay through the ages, naval architectural drawings, paintings, and artifacts that represent "Harbour Life", providing an insight into the daily lives of the local boat building community. The Foundry sounds like a good place to begin my research.

VISIT TO POOLE MUSEUM STORES AND SELECTING MY OBJECT FOR RESEARCH

A Journey through time to explore and identify artifacts for research, and to dig deep into the vaults of Poole Museum's collection. A day of exploration and discovery. Coffee and chat - Tea and talk with Gary Edwards My day was certainly one to remember, a once in a lifetime opportunity! Forget the clutter in your average loft, shed, or garage, and embrace the objects that are stored within Poole museum's shed, it's sliding vaults, and two garages. An eclectic mix of Poole's rich and varied history. Inside the vaults there are colour coded boxes: Red - Metals Yellow - Glass Green - Organic eg Fabric, Leather Kat & Carrie exploring collections The vaults Joe guarding the sliding vaults When I entered Gary's office, on a wall behind his desk, I was greeted with images of objects that had previously drawn my attention - this was to be my ureka moment - I had finally found my object to research! A pharyngeal bone/teeth from a Wrasse fish, discovered...

Stuartist33