Migration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums...Show moreMigration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums have emerged as important arenas for the exploring of the migration theme. In the development of migration-themed exhibitions, a common practice involves collaborating with local migrant communities to gather narratives previously untold or underrepresented. Whether the collected (hi)stories are presented and stored through tangible or intangible means, often this collected information is “new”. Despite the enduring presence of migration as a phenomenon throughout human history, relatively little attention has been directed towards exploring it within existing historical museum collections. While some scholars recognize the potential of historical collections to contribute to inclusive migration representations, this aspect remains relatively underexplored. This study employed two primary research strategies to address this gap. Firstly, interviews were conducted with six city museum professionals. Secondly, collection research was undertaken at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, focusing on revisiting its historical collection. The research uncovered that revisiting historical city museum collections can yield valuable insights into migration-related histories. By posing different questions and embracing an interdisciplinary approach, previously overlooked objects can be reinterpreted to narrate migration stories. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated through the case study of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, where several migration-related objects were identified within the historical collection. These objects, including a curved draw knife, a painting, and a sketch, symbolized various migration stories to Schiedam, such as German, Polish, and Huguenot migrations. The interdisciplinary aspect was found to be essential in enriching the revisiting process. Linking historical or archaeological data to museum collections facilitated a deeper understanding of migration-related narratives. Furthermore, exposing historical museum objects to present-day impulses can offer fresh perspectives. While participative projects have been advocated as a primary method for gathering new migration stories, this research revealed a certain hesitancy, fearing the reduction of migrants' experiences to stereotypical representations. Instead, there was a preference for embedding migration within other themes, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of individuals' lives beyond their migrant status. Overall, this research revealed that revisiting historical city museum collections can offer valuable insights into migration-related histories. Furthermore, it contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the use of participative strategies in sourcing migration objects, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and thoughtful integration in the European city museum context.Show less
Chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) is a much debated topic and the current clinical literature states that up to 40% of the maxillary sinusitis cases can be caused by dental disease. This is called...Show moreChronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) is a much debated topic and the current clinical literature states that up to 40% of the maxillary sinusitis cases can be caused by dental disease. This is called odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS). Unilateral CMS is even believed to be induced by dental disease in approximately 75% of the cases. In bioarchaeology, odontogenic sinusitis has been somehow understudied, since very few archaeological studies on sinusitis have taken dental disease into consideration. Studying the impact of dental disease can give more contextualisation to previous studies on respiratory disease, including CMS. Both CMS and dental disease can be observable in archaeological context as various skeletal changes. This thesis research aims to test if the presence of CMS is related to the presence of dental disease within two post-medieval populations from Arnhem and Middenbeemster. The dental pathological conditions that are included here are periapical abscesses, periodontal disease, ante-mortem tooth loss and oroantral fistulae. First, the relation between CMS and dental disease has been investigated for the sample in its entirety, as well as on the intrasite level. After this, differences in the prevalence rates of OMS were investigated on the intersite level (i.e., between populations and between sex groups across populations). Chi squared tests and the Fisher’s Exact Test were used to test the hypotheses. The results show that there is no statistically significant correlation between the presence of chronic maxillary sinusitis and the presence of dental disease. Moreover, the differences in the prevalence rates of CMS did not hold any statistical significance either. It can be suggested that other factors, such as climate, smoking, or hazards as the result of urbanisation, have played a bigger role in the development of chronic maxillary sinusitis in the current sample. Although not significant, there was a stronger correlation between CMS and dental disease in the rural sample than in the urban sample. A stronger relationship was also observed in females than in males. Therefore, it might be suggested that dental disease played a more important role in the development of CMS among these subgroups. Furthermore, it is observed that OMS is slightly more prevalent in the urban population and has a slight female predominance.Show less
The HMC project started in 2021 to trace interconnection patterns in the rural region close to the city of Chalkida in Euboea, during the Medieval period. Field surveys in 2022 and 2023 at the...Show moreThe HMC project started in 2021 to trace interconnection patterns in the rural region close to the city of Chalkida in Euboea, during the Medieval period. Field surveys in 2022 and 2023 at the sites of Feges, Bailelekas, and Kastri, and the excavation trench of Kastri in 2023 retrieved multiple animal bones, requiring an archaeozoological analysis that would shed light on inquiries related to their nature and connection to the studied archaeological sites. This, in combination with the fact that no adequate archaeozoological study has been conducted in the Medieval Euboea, has been the main reason why this thesis was essential for both Byzantine Archaeology and Archaeozoology. For the current thesis, I studied faunal material coming from mammals. The main research questions aimed to comprehend from what period the material was derived, what species were present, how they were exploited, and whether these results are equivalent or different from the previous Early Byzantine Period. In addition, other questions included the interpretation of the main excavation site of the project, Kastri, based on the faunal analysis, and consequently, how animal remains can complement an archaeological analysis. It was determined that the faunal material derived from a Middle Byzantine refusion pit, and that caprines, pigs, and cows were mainly exploited for their primary products. Other species that were present included hare which would possibly be hunted, as well as limited rodent and dog bones. While not studied for the current thesis, the existence of fishes and birds was also mentioned to state the variety of animals that were probably used during the period. Most animals were exploited in similar ways as in the earlier period, except for cattle, which showed primarily signs of meat exploitation, contradicting their primary use as working animals in other assemblages from the earlier era. As for the function of Kastri, it was considered a wealthy premise of a central or administrative character, where animals would be gathered, slaughtered, and consumed in situ. It was further understood that faunal remains are essential for a vast number of archaeological questions regarding the period of interest, especially when it comes to the determination of socio-economic-related inquiries. This initial endeavour of archaeozoological analysis in these faunal remains is one of the first in the area, but also one of the very few ones regarding the period. Thus, along with answering the research questions of this thesis, new ones arise that would enlighten us more about the site in the future, especially regarding other species, diets, paleoenvironmental interpretation, as well as the chronology of the material.Show less
This thesis analyses the role of the socio-political landscape for the constantly changing burial rituals of mainland Spain during the early medieval period. Mainland Spain contains a highly...Show moreThis thesis analyses the role of the socio-political landscape for the constantly changing burial rituals of mainland Spain during the early medieval period. Mainland Spain contains a highly complex socio-political landscape, with different kingdoms, cultures, and religions entering and spreading across the urban and rural areas alike. The related burial practices of these socio-political units are all identified and well-known, but this information lacks accessibility and an overview. Therefore, a simple, yet extensive overview in the form of an open database was created for this research, with the goal of visualizing different transformations in burial rituals and practices. 14 unique archaeological sites were selected, resulting in 15 database entries. Besides general burial information and rituals, four common burial practices were used to display any change or continuation within the dataset, being grave goods, location within the wider landscape, body position, and grave furniture. I found that the dataset mostly coincides with the standard burial rituals of the related cultures and religions. Changes in the socio-political landscape, such as the introduction of monotheistic religions (i.e. Christianity, Islam), heavily coincide with large transformations in burial rituals. Almost every funerary aspect changes according to the standardized burial rituals forced upon by the elites in power, in the form of top-down processes. However, a multitude of exceptions, such as unique burial practices, were present in the dataset. These irregularities were most likely caused by either an admixture of populations, causing burials to combine into different separate burial practices, or rural populations resisting both top-down processes and the admixture of populations, by practicing local beliefs and traditions in mostly isolated burial areas. The effect of the environment on burial rituals is also an important factor, as certain unique burial practices were the sole result of the buriers adapting to specific environments. Thus, this thesis has shown the influence of the socio-political landscape on burial practices, resulting in change, continuation, and irregularities to occur, while also providing a database that can be expanded in the future by adding more sites and funerary aspects, which will increase in accessibility of this information to researchers and the public alike.Show less
This study investigates the representation of prehistoric heritage and archaeology in the education system and social media platforms on Barbados. Despite previously conducted studies on Caribbean...Show moreThis study investigates the representation of prehistoric heritage and archaeology in the education system and social media platforms on Barbados. Despite previously conducted studies on Caribbean prehistory, there remains a significant gap in understanding the material culture and traditions of the pre-colonial populations of Barbados. This research aims to address this gap by exploring how prehistoric heritage is covered in school curricula and on Barbadian social media platforms. The study starts with a brief explanation of the history of Barbados, a Caribbean island located on the eastern side of the Lesser Antilles. The research then delves into its educational and heritage management systems, and discusses the various activities and exhibitions present at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS), a museum situated in Bridgetown that covers various (pre)historical subjects in exhibitions and organizes interesting activities regarding local (pre-)colonial heritage. The research applies various methods, combining literary research with data from questionnaires distributed to residents of Barbados and tourists visiting the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. The questionnaire examines the public's knowledge, the sources of information and foreknowledge, and their general interest in prehistoric heritage and archaeology. The results of this study reveal that coverage of prehistoric heritage in Barbados' education system is minimal, with an emphasis present on the colonial period. However, there is a noticeable public interest in pre-colonial history, particularly among the younger respondents. A conclusion that can be drawn from these results, is that there is potential for a more active cooperation between educational institutions and cultural organizations such as the BMHS, to improve the spread of knowledge of prehistoric heritage and create a more balanced representation of Barbados' (pre-colonial) heritage in educational systems and on social media. Recommendations for further research include creating (more) subjects covering Barbadian prehistory and archaeology in the national school curricula and making these topics tangible by yearly excursions and using social media for educational purposes, in order to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the island's rich and diverse past among its residents and visiting tourists.Show less
This thesis analysed the extent to which physically impaired individuals are given deviant burial treatment in death in the late Roman and early medieval periods in central and southern Britain....Show moreThis thesis analysed the extent to which physically impaired individuals are given deviant burial treatment in death in the late Roman and early medieval periods in central and southern Britain. Until recently, disability has been overlooked in archaeological research, and modern biases have been unfairly projected on the past. This thesis made use of a literature review of excavation reports as well as osteological analyses to gain an understanding of the different ways individuals with physical impairments were treated after death, using five criteria by which to measure normative and non-normative practices: the treatment of the body, the type of internment, the funerary goods, the grave location and alignment, and the position of the body. Twelve graves containing impaired people were analysed specifically, allowing a comparison to be made between normative and deviant customs, and between these practices and those applied to these specific burials. This analysis revealed variability in treatment, and while deviancy was observed, this was not explicitly linked to negative attitudes towards disability. Furthermore, while there were differences between the two periods, considerable continuity in traditions could also be observed.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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The Quina Mousterian is a Late Middle Palaeolithic technocomplex recognised mainly in Southern and Western Europe. It has been argued that Neanderthal groups developed this technology to cope with...Show moreThe Quina Mousterian is a Late Middle Palaeolithic technocomplex recognised mainly in Southern and Western Europe. It has been argued that Neanderthal groups developed this technology to cope with the decreasing global temperatures and the environmental changes of the last glaciation (Weichselian). The Quina system is so far unattested in North Europe, where the climatic fluctuations derived from the Weichselian glaciation were arguably more pronounced and quicker. This research studies the stone tool assemblage from the open-air surface site of Colmont-Ponderosa (South Limburg, The Netherlands). The techno-typological study of the lithics from the site reveals that some Middle Palaeolithic groups of the region were users of versatile and less prepared technologies, with short flaking sequences to produce blanks with a long use-life potential. The tool typologies of the assemblage are dominated by denticulates and notches rather than “Quina” scrapers. The study of the lithics depicts a strong presence of Quina technology over Discoid and Levallois flaking systems, which are virtually absent in the assemblage of Colmont-Ponderosa. The stone tools from the site show a high degree of reduction and ramification. This is evident in the characteristics of the flakes, modified pieces as well as the cores. This thesis demonstrates that the Quina technology was indeed present at some point in time in the Northern latitudes but it was more focused on the recycling and re-using of tools and blanks rather than on the production of specific tool typologies as is the case in typical Quina sites in Southwestern France, for example. This research further employs a behavioural ecological approach to the archaeological record of the case study to demonstrate that the variability within the Quina entity as portrayed in the assemblage of the site might be related to a specific behavioural pattern consisting of a highly mobile, logistic, and economic lifestyle. This ecological approach to lithic technology further shows that the economic behaviour visible in the lateral and secondary recycling embedded within the technological production cycle, contributed to the creation of the archaeological record, generating a feedback loop in which the archaeological record is shaped by and shapes behaviours. This thesis illustrates that, at some point in time, Middle Palaeolithic groups in Northern Europe were indeed users of the Quina technological system, adding more diversity to the studies that link Northern Europe to a Levallois-based technology, Discoid flaking systems, and bifacial shaping. The presence of the Quina technology in the northern fringes of the Neanderthals’ ecological niche shows the diversity and adaptive flexibility of Neanderthal behaviour at the time of the Weichselian glaciation. This work further proposes that a more behavioural ecological approach to the study of lithic technology can help in understanding the variability within the Mousterian archaeological record.Show less
Intolerance and hate towards transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender-nonconforming people in (western) society has increased in recent years. The spread of misinformation about the transgender...Show moreIntolerance and hate towards transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender-nonconforming people in (western) society has increased in recent years. The spread of misinformation about the transgender community and censorship of LGBTQIA+ topics in schools are two examples of how the political far-right promotes this trend, but they are also examples of things where museums can have a positive societal impact by engaging with the public about gender diversity. The aim of this thesis is to compile an overview of exhibitions which engage with the topic of gender diversity and discuss if museums are contributing enough to the ongoing societal debates about gender and transgender rights from the perspective of the wishes and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. To compile the overview and to learn about how museums approach the topic of gender diversity web-based and literature research was used. To compare the findings of this research to how the LGBTQIA+ community actually wants to see museums engage with gender diversity a survey was constructed in Qualtrics and distributed through social media. The theoretical study of sexuality and gender (queer theory) is applied in a museum context to challenge established cis-gendered and heterosexual norms in a process known as queering. This queering can be performed in various ways, but the favored strategy in the exhibitions compiled and discussed in this thesis is temporary queer exhibition making with varying degrees of community engagement. The degree of community engagement seemed to be increasing over time, especially in art exhibitions, and there was also a difference between art and cultural/historical exhibitions in how they balance the representation/validation of transgender identities with educating the wider public on gender diversity, with art exhibitions focusing more on representation and cultural/historical exhibitions on education. However, there were few examples of cultural/historical exhibitions which engaged with the topic of gender diversity. The LGBTQIA+ community and its allies are clearly dissatisfied with the amount and quality of positive representation of transgender identities and experiences in museum, but there is a significant interest in seeing representation of diverse gender identities and historical aspects of gender covered in museums. While there are indeed examples of exhibitions which meet the needs and wishes of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are still relatively few and most of them are only temporary exhibitions. However, there does appear to be an increasing awareness among museum professionals of the need for the queering of museums at a fundamental level and these temporary exhibitions could be the start of this.Show less
The Châtelperronian is a technological industry dating to the crucial time period in which Neanderthal populations got replaced by early modern human populations during the Middle to the Upper...Show moreThe Châtelperronian is a technological industry dating to the crucial time period in which Neanderthal populations got replaced by early modern human populations during the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic transition. The industry has been subject to much debate due to the uncertainty regarding its makers. La-Grande-Roche-de-la-Plématrie, Quinçay, France, is an important site because of the rare preservation of the Châtelperronian throughout multiple layers. These deposits have been protected for ca. 25,000 years due to the collapse of large limestone slabs, which has stopped the layers from mixing with later occupations. The Châtelperronian points (CP points) yielding from these layers show significant edge damage, which questions whether they can be considered as in situ or whether the assemblage has been redistributed by site formation processes. This thesis aims at gaining a better insight into whether the Châtelperronian points have been deposited at separate occupational periods, or whether they have been subjected to movement by site formation processes disturbing the original position of deposition. Quantitative analysis is conducted which describes and documents the degree of edge damage present on the artefacts from three layers in the front of the cave.Show less
