FIELD TRIP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Orlando Museum of Art, spring exhibit of donated artifacts from prehistoric South America
Observe the displays of archaeological materials. Pick an exhibit case for which to do the following:
1. Describe what is displayed, what is being portrayed about the human past; be sure to note the specific material items and the text accompanying them.
2. Identify what specific human cultural systems or aspects of life are being interpreted, and which are not portrayed much or at all. What artifacts might be missing?
3. Determine the intended audience for the exhibit, and another audience for whom this exhibit might say much less. Because this is an art museum, are there archaeological things that might not be present in the exhibit? How would you change things to target an archaeological audience?
4. Decide what you would add, subtract, or change about the exhibit for other different audiences (different ethnic groups, ages, genders, social "classes").
5. Note what might be the values expressed in the exhibit and whether it is addressing any concerns that are pertinent to today's world as well.
6. Does the exhibit say anything about the preservation ethic? Are these donated artifacts purchased? Looted? What about the ethics of this?
7. Are the text and placement of artifacts, landscape, and other items clearly communicating the message? How would you label things differently?
We will discuss these during the field trip and afterwards, in the classroom.