I Am My Hair
I Am My Hair (3rd Floor) was curated by Dajou Cottrell, who studied anthropology at McGill University, where she developed a strong interest in museology. In fall 2018, Dajou performed research involving the Redpath Museum’s African collections for an Independent Study Project, exploring how Black hair contributes to Black culture.
Looking at combs, hair ornaments and headrests from various African countries, Dajou explored how Black hair has been used as a tool of expression, communication and power throughout history. Passionate about this project, she pursued her project in 2019-2020, aiming to present her research in an exhibit. Dajou hopes her work will emphasize the rich history and the beauty of Black hair.
Please note: Due to the Museum’s closure during the pandemic, the installation of the display has been postponed.
Salisbury
An Observer Observed: Fieldwork in Papua New Guinea
This exhibition (on the 3rd floor), recently expanded by a donation, features objects and photographs relating to Richard Salisbury's fieldwork among the Siane of the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea and the Tolai of the Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain.
Richard Salisbury was a pioneer in developmental anthropology and one of the founders of the Department of Anthropology at McGill University.
In this display, we turn our gaze to the work of the anthropologist. What was fieldwork like in the 1950s? What was the anthropologist's relationship with communities? Field notes, photographs and objects give us clues to answer these questions.
