“Stellenbosch University (SU) has a complex history as a public higher education institution, performing various it roles within the political, socio-economic, cultural and educational realities of our country over the past 100 years,” says Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers.
“There were highlights and low points, and our ‘100 artefacts’ exhibition allows us to explore both the achievements and lessons learnt from our past so that we can go forward together,” says De Viliers.
Professor Matilda Burden, curator of the “100 artefacts for 100 years exhibition, adds that the university had a journey of learning and growing over these 100 years. The exhibition opened at the SU museum on the 31st of October.
“The only thread that binds these artefacts together, is that they were used by the university at some point. We did try to group them in some logical order, but that is also difficult because you can’t do it in chronological order,” says Burden.
Watch as Prof Matilda Burden talks through the Past Present Future exhibition at Stellenbosch University.
Burden found the response to requests for artefacts was met with either too much enthusiasm or no response at all.
“I tried to spread it through the different department of the university, which was very difficult. Some departments offered twelve artefacts, while others simply did not respond, despite multiple requests,” says Burden.
One of the departments that did respond to requests for artefacts is the Ancient Studies department. Dr Samantha Masters, a lecturer in the department, believes the exhibition is useful and relevant.
“It recognises that the history of an institution is not only in the written records or even in the important milestones but that history is multifaceted and even mundane. Material artefacts of different kinds are equally important records and representatives of memory, in fact they have a particular appeal because of their visual and tangible nature,” says Masters.
Have a moment? These are the hours the museum are open. Check the Museums Facebook page for evening event times. Photo: Bonita Williams
The department donated three objects for the exhibition, a rare desk from the days of Victoria College, a project from a student made in 2010 and the third object is a 3D-printed model of the inside of an ancient Egyptian animal mummy from Iziko Museums of Cape Town.
“Material artefacts of different kinds are equally important records and representatives of memory, in fact they have a particular appeal because of their visual and tangible nature.
“I am interested in seeing what range of objects have been collected, and whether there are objects that might also engage with the ‘negative’ history of the institution. These types of artefacts should be included to present a balanced ‘overview’ over time and to enhance the exhibition’s relevance,” says Masters.
The tour starts here. Past. Present. Future. Exhibition. This visitor, who wished not be named, is visiting for the third time. Photo: Bonita Williams
“The exhibition was initiated by the Rectorate,” says Director of the SU museum, Bongani Mgijima. De Villiers reused the idea of “A History of the World in 100 objects”, which uses items in the British Museum’s extensive collection to tell the story of the world – from two million years ago to the present day.
De Villiers says: “I found it an interesting and accessible way to explore history and thought we could do the same at the SU Museum in the University’s Centenary year. I discussed it with our Museum staff and am glad that they took it further.”
Infographic by Bonita Williams