Overview

Models of non-European watercrafts are commonly found in museum collections in the UK and throughout the world. These objects are understudied, rarely used in museum displays and at risk of disposal. In addition, there are several gaps in current understanding of traditional watercraft from the Indian Ocean, the region spanning from East Africa through to western Australia. Using models of a range of boats from 13 museum collections throughout the UK, this book considers the value of these objects for both researchers and museums. The book explores how models can help us to understand traditional boats and boat-building practices, some of which no longer exist. Two case studies investigate a number of ideas about the physical attributes of these objects and how representative they are of full-size vessels. In addition, the wider cultural processes and contexts of the models are considered, including ideas about collecting, miniaturisation and the iconic symbolism of watercraft. The aim of this publication is to encourage the use of models of boats from the Indian Ocean and throughout the world in future studies of traditional watercraft. At the same time, the research presented here will help museums to re-evaluate the significance of model boats in their collections, and to use them in displays in the future to explore a range of narratives.

Full Product Details

9780861592302

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Charlotte Dixon is Curator at Newton Abbot Museum and has published works on the subject of miniaturisation and model boats. She completed her Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded Collaborative Doctoral Award PhD with the University of Southampton and British Museum in 2018 exploring models of boats from the Indian Ocean. Charlotte is interested in the way the sea has shaped our lives, museum collecting and our inherent fascination for the miniature.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available