Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Social Dynamics of Material Culture in the Arctic (1)The Challenges of Social Change in East Greenland  (Change in Art and Material Culture of East Greenland)

Outline
The National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden, The Netherlands, conducted research in East Greenland, recently published in the dissertation Furs and Fabrics, Transformations, Clothing and Identity in East Greenland. This research provides a source of information about East Greenlandic history and development. Changes in the clothing as part of material culture were the focus of study. The book shows a scale of influences from Danish colonizers and European traders, researchers and tourist on the material culture that the East Greenlanders (Tunumiit) produce. Furthermore, a strong relationship between identity processes (incl. nation building) and changes in material culture came to the fore. The book, however, leaves us the question if and how other parts of material culture are effected by these or other outside influences. The present project focuses on the art and handicraft of the Tunumiit of East Greenland. Changes in material culture are partially caused by outsiders such as Danish administrators, traders, West Greenland employees, European researchers and tourists. European and American markets and their demands cause forms, materials and even categories in arts and crafts to develop, disappear or to be reinvented. Use is made of the extensive collections in the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, of 19th and 20th century objects from this part of the world. Emphasis is placed on nineteenth and early twentieth century material culture and its relationship to modern culture. Especially art, handicraft, souvenirs and related objects will be topic of study.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The aim of the research project is to gather additional information on indigenous knowledge on Inuit culture and economy. Participation in this is sought with a native counterpart, such as local specialists in East Greenland, Greenland Museums and East Greenlanders working in Denmark.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
NULL

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Tasiilaq and Tiilerilaaq (Tiniteqilaaq), East Greenland and some locations in Denmark.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: May - August 2006      June – July 2007      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No special facilities: the project will make use of the normal local, national and international infrøastructure.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The project will make use of the normal local, national and international infrasturture.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Proposal for subsidy will be submitted to the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The National Museum of Ethnology has a budget for small exhibitions. It will also be send to the National IPY Committee. Cooperation with museums and a native counterpart will be organized nationally as well as internationally.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
The National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden will provide the project leader and coordinator. Participation is being asked from colleagues of the Tasiilaq Museum, Greenland National Museum in Nuuk, and European Museums in Paris, Copenhagen and The Hague. Specialists of Inuit background living in Tasiilaq and in Denmark are especially welcomed to join the project, not only as informants but also as researchers and co-authors.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
In the first stage of the research, the data will be gathered centrally at the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden. They will be put on the internet. The results will be returned to East Greenland by means of a travelling exhibition (education material for schools and museum visitors will be part of this), starting at the Tasiilaq Museum or the museum in Nuuk. Results will also be available via internet and if possible at the site of the Tasiilaq Museum.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The data will be available via on the internet. The results will be returned to East Greenland by means of a travelling exhibition starting at the Tasiilaq Museum or the museum in Nuuk. Results will also be available via internet and at the sites of the Tasiilaq Museum and museum in Nuuk.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Proposal for subsidy will be submitted to the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The National Museum of Ethnology has a budget for small exhibitions. It will also be send to the National IPY Committee.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Cunera Buijs
National Museum of Ethnology,
Postbox 212,
Leiden
NL-2300 AE
Netherlands

Tel: +31-(0)71-5168800
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation