Pre-Columbian Artifacts to be Displayed Soon!

Librarians typically work with documents (printed, handwritten, digital) and with visual materials, such as photographs, but rarely with 3-dimensional objects. Therefore, a box purported to be pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico, received as a gift from former Assumptionist priest Michael Carey around 2006, was a puzzle to be solved, but not within the expertise level of any of our staff. Over the years we explored the possibility of identifying a museum professional who might provide guidance on authenticating this collection and on how to move forward with cataloging and displaying it. No easily available expertise was obvious to us.

Then last year, while cataloging an Honors thesis, Liz Maisey realized that we have an expert right here on campus. Within a couple of hours of hearing from us about the Michael Carey collection, Professor Mark Christensen was in the library. We opened the box and started unwrapping what turned out to be 23 pieces of authentic pre-Columbian artifacts. Most of them date from 300BC to 350AD.

Mark suggested the purchase of three books that could help more closely identify the artifacts, and he subsequently set out to catalog the various pieces and describe a context for viewers of the collection. The objects include pottery, human figures, pieces in the form of animals, musical instruments, and tools, most of them made from clay, but a few from metal.

The collection is nearly ready to be displayed in the first level wall cases in the Tsotsis Family Academic Center. Mark has collaborated with his History Department staff, Art Department faculty, and library staff to prepare this exhibit. Look for it in the cases in the next couple of weeks.

We are very excited about the exhibit and hope that you will be too!