AbstractsAnthropology

Believing Bullbrook: A review of archaeological collections from Trinidad and Tobago in British Museums

by Katie Lee-Smith




Institution: Leiden University
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Museums; Britain; Colonialism; Trinidad; Tobago; Caribbean; Collections; Antiquarian; Collectors
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2064526
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/1887/38183


Abstract

This thesis focuses on the topic that certain museums in Britain harbor collections of Trinidadian artifacts which exist in a significant quantity. These could further substantial research yet many are hidden from the public eye or research access. I present a summary of these artifacts within an accessible database and show, to the most accurate degree possible, the significance of their acquisition in a colonial palimpsest. I argue that, in retrospect, although some acquisitions were as a result of negative colonial activities in the Caribbean, the majority were acquired through the efforts of certain individuals to preserve Trinidad’s archaeological heritage. Through this information and through further contextual research I attempt to create a discourse between the object information and contextual background and prove these artifacts need further attention and can have a noteworthy contribution to the cultural heritage of Trinidadians and indigenous communities today. Advisors/Committee Members: Françozo, Mariana (advisor).