By The Keystone Newspaper The Anthropology Club began its spring semester with an interactive pottery reconstruction activity, bringing students together to engage in a hands-on learning experience.
By Katelynn Humbles
The Anthropology Club at KU began its spring semester with an interactive pottery reconstruction activity on Thursday, Feb. 13, bringing students together to engage in a hands-on learning experience. Open to both anthropology majors and non-majors, the club offers a space for students to explore various subfields of anthropology, including cultural, archaeological, linguistic, and biological studies, in an engaging and practical way.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
The first meeting’s activity focused on pottery reconstruction, where students worked to piece together ceramic fragments, mimicking real archaeological techniques. This process helps participants understand how archaeologists study artifacts to learn about ancient cultures and their methods of craftsmanship. By handling and reconstructing broken pottery, students gained insight into the delicate and detailed work that goes into preserving historical artifacts.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
“We do a lot of hands-on activities, so you get to experience the things that you’re learning about in a capacity that feels more real,” Vice President Juliana Whitley said. “Today, we did pottery reconstruction, and we’ll do cave paintings soon.”
The upcoming cave painting activity is designed to connect students with one of the earliest known forms of human artistic expression. Through this event, members will have the chance to explore the significance of prehistoric art and the ways in which early humans communicated their beliefs and experiences through cave paintings.
Beyond hands-on activities, the Anthropology Club frequently organizes trips to museums, providing students with opportunities to view and analyze historical artifacts, broaden their knowledge of different cultures, and experience anthropology beyond the classroom. Last year, the club took a trip to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where members explored exhibits covering human evolution, ancient civilizations, and cultural practices from around the world. The club plans to arrange similar trips this semester to further enrich members’ learning experiences.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
In addition to field trips, the club hosts guest lectures and community events, giving students the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and discuss a wide range of anthropological topics. These events foster discussion, encourage critical thinking, and allow students to build connections with both peers and professionals.
The Anthropology Club is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can develop their understanding of human history and culture. Through its diverse range of activities, the club provides a platform for students to gain practical experience, deepen their knowledge, and connect with others who share an interest in anthropology. Whether through hands-on projects, educational outings, or thought-provoking discussions, the club offers a dynamic way to explore the human experience while fostering a sense of community on campus.
The club meets Thursdays at 11 a.m. in Old Main (OM) 28. More information can be found on their instagram, @kuanthropologyclub.