Hey! Welcome back to my blog! 

Imagine holding an artifact—a beautifully carved mask, an intricately woven basket, or a centuries-old tool. What stories does it hold? What can it reveal about the people who made it, their traditions, and their way of life? Anthropology is the key that unlocks these stories, offering us a deeper, more complete understanding of history.

Anthropology—the study of human cultures and societies (and their development over time!) —allows us to explore the past in a way that goes beyond dates and events. By taking an anthropological perspective, we can understand not just what happened, but why it matters. The driving question for our most recent BCFP project was: How might we use an anthropological perspective to better understand the history of British Columbia?

 

We began by deepening our understanding of anthropology, exploring its main branches and some key definitions.

Anthropology is divided into four main subfields, each offering a unique perspective on human life. Cultural anthropology studies the customs, traditions, and social behaviors of different societies, often through immersive fieldwork. Linguistic anthropology explores how language shapes communication, identity, and cultural beliefs across communities. Biological (or physical) anthropology examines human evolution, genetics, and how our biology interacts with culture—this includes studying fossils, primates, and modern human diversity. Archaeology uncovers and interprets material remains, such as artifacts and ancient structures, to understand past civilizations. Together, these branches help us piece together the complex story of humanity from multiple angles. 

Below are key terms that help us understand cultural differences with an open mind and avoid biases. Concepts like ethnocentrism, xenocentrism, cultural imperialism, cultural relativism, and culture shock are essential for anthropologists, as well as anyone striving to navigate our diverse world with curiosity and respect.

Now that we had a solid understanding of anthropology, it was time to put our anthropological perspectives to work! Each of us selected an artifact from the online UBC Museum of Anthropology (MOA) collection, which features nearly 50,000 artifacts from across the globe. As a class, we focused specifically on artifacts from Nations in British Columbia. I chose the ḥuquuma mask of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, made by Nuu-chah-nulth artists and carver Joe David. Through my research, I uncovered the deep cultural significance of masks of this type, their central role in ceremonies, and their connection to storytelling and identity. 

 

I loved the freedom to explore and research what I was most interested in, which made the learning experience feel personal and engaging. I had the opportunity to learn about cedar harvesting and culturally modified trees, deepening my appreciation for the sacredness of cedar in Indigenous cultures. I have always had a love for cedar trees and wood, but now I understand more fully why they hold such spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities.

By applying our anthropological perspectives, we delved into the rich history and diversity of B.C.’s First Nations, learning about their traditional ways of life, languages, and the lasting impacts of colonialism. To bring our learning to life, our class collaborated on creating a Virtual Artifact Exhibit, where we showcased our findings in a digital format. We even had the opportunity to send our exhibit to anthropologists at the MOA for valuable feedback! Check out our Virtual exhibit here! My section can be found by clicking the card that says ḥuquuma mask. 

 So, how might we use an anthropological perspective to better understand the history of British Columbia?

An anthropological perspective allows us to engage with British Columbia’s history in a way that values truth, resilience, and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Archaeology reveals that Indigenous communities thrived on these lands for thousands of years before colonization, while cultural and linguistic anthropology highlight their complex governance, social structures, and traditions—showing how they have endured despite historical and ongoing challenges.

By adopting an open and unbiased mindset, we move beyond colonial narratives and acknowledge the histories that have too often been overlooked. When we challenge biases, amplify Indigenous voices, and commit to learning with humility and respect, we take meaningful steps toward reconciliation—honouring the past, understanding the present, and working toward a more just future.

Thanks for reading!