Written by Liting 2022 Cohort
As Pre-MDM students went on our first Field Trip this Wednesday with Aida and our two instructional assistants. This was a UBC campus-themed adventure. Although it was short, it was fun and meaningful.
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) was the starting point of our adventure; there were lots of secret missions which we needed to complete. But when we walked into this museum, we entirely forgot our purpose. The objects in each exhibition area are unique and beautiful, especially when I first saw the work of artist Bill Reid “The Raven and the First Men” his work shows the power of Northwest Coast art to touch the emotions of people from different cultures.
In addition, I noticed some exciting items in the exhibition from Japan, Korea, and Guangdong(China). Such as the Japanese god masks representing different symbols and Chinese god sculptures representing various works in Buddhism. I am curious how they bring these items across the ocean to this continent and simultaneously preserve them so well. My visit with the group and instructor was an eye-opening experience and created a space in my mind for First Nations and their art, which I was unfamiliar with.
When we left MOA, we crossed the UBC campus along the Rose Garden and visited the libraries and student center, and we passed the Beaty Biodiversity Museum; I saw the most immense and magnificent Blue Whale Skeleton through the glass. Hopefully, next time I’ll get to go in and see those collections and learn more about that Blue whale.
All in all, the field trip was very communicative and pleasant. Aida told us a lot about local traditional culture, and at the same time, we felt the diversity of Canadian campus life. Now I just hope the next field trip will come earlier.