Writing Samples

Chapter: "Block Busters: What Systematic Replication Studies Reveal about Hypotheses on the Iron Ore Cubes," by Dr. Billie J. Follensbee, Allison Robbins, Sammie Hernandez, Alexandra Thrower, and Nicholas Deckard

Published in: "Archaeology of the Gulf Coast: Dynamics of Political, Economic and Ideological Interaction" (Arqueología de la Costa del Golfo. Dinámicas de la Interacción Política, Económica e Ideológica). Editors: Lourdes Budar, Marcie L. Venter, and Sara Ladrón de Guevara.

Abstract: Gelede masks of the Yoruba culture are carved wooden headdresses with superstructures that are worn by male dancers during the Gelede spectacle, which is part of a religious ceremony that honors women. The masks are worn with a cloth costume, and raffia hangs from the bottom of the mask to conceal the identity of the dancer. In this conservation project, I cleaned the mask, used a fungicide to kill mold, and treated unstable pigment with a matte consolidant to preserve the original paint; finally, I used an epoxy to stabilize cracks and breaks and an archival filler to restore gaps and missing areas.

Background: In conjunction with the exhibitron, the museum sponsored a competition for local college students interested in contemporary art writing. The Museum is particularly interested in community outreach and supporting and developing both local and regional talents. The entrants were asked to submit brief essays that related to the artists, artwork, or narratives contained within the exhibition with the chance for publication in the exhibition catalogue. The entries are judged by a committee of Museum staff members and university professors including Dr. Catherine Jolivette, Associate Professor at Missouri State University, Dr Thomas Russo, Professor and Dean of International Studies at Drury University; Kate Baird, Museum Educator and Sarah Buhr, Curator.

Among the essays submitted the judges' selected one work for publication by Missouri State University student Nicholas Deckard. The judges felt that this essay clearly articulated a fundamental and critical understanding of an aspect of the chosen artist's work Congratulations and thanks are extended to all students who participated.