by Catherine Norris
In the world of Archeology, the study of material culture often goes hand in hand with analyzing the artistic personality of a culture. This Friday, Elizabeth Horton of the Arkansas Archeological Survey speaks on the rich history of textiles and basketry to be found in the Southern United States in a presentation called “Woven Worlds: The Archeology of Textiles and Basketry in the Pre-Columbian Southeast.”Thanks to the humid climate, the American South, which includes Arkansas, has one of the most extensive collections of archeological fabrics.
Horton will explore not only the ancient history of the region’s Native American populations but also connects the past with the living present, said Laurel Lamb, Curator of the University of Arkansas Museum.
“Horton will take it further and discuss how such details live on in the artistry of contemporary Southeastern Native weavers today,” said Lamb.
Not only will students who attend the lecture have the chance to share in Horton’s extensive knowledge of her subject, they will be able to see examples of the University’s collection of baskets and textiles as well. Horton presents this Friday evening at 7 in the Arkansas Archeological Survey building.