This autumn, I, Joseph Carrino, a second year PhD student at the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology, ran monthly View the Vault sessions. View the Vault events serve as public hours for the campus and community residents to get a glimpse at the artifacts housed in the Joukowsky Institute collection. Fortunately, I was assisted by Leah Neiman, Christina Miles, Jace Damon, Sierra Bornheim, and Jacob Lewis, who helped me plan and run the events. Moreover, this year, we introduced themes for each View the Vault event, which were designed to showcase specific objects within the Joukowsky Institute collection. The autumn 2023 View the Vault themes were “Halloween” (October), “Animals” (November), and “Light” (December).
October’s “Halloween” themed View the Vault was designed to attract visitors of all ages, but especially children. Visitors were greeted by number of objects in line with the holiday; for instance, the Bronze Oinochoe with Horse Handle (Object 270) pictured here. Overall, the Halloween themed View the Vault was a success with visitors from Brown, Providence, and even surrounding states.
November’s View the Vault theme was “Animals”. This theme was suggested by Christina Miles – a Brown undergraduate concentrator in anthropology and the Joukowsky Institute’s Records and Collections Assistant. 
There are so many objects in the Joukowsky Institute collection that depict animals that we were spoiled for choice — for example, the Terracotta Fish Statue (Object 264) pictured here. There is even a taxidermy mouse that visitors were able to see.
Can you find additional objects that relate to the animals theme? Use the link below to explore information and photos of all the artifacts in the Joukowsky Institute collection:
Browse the JIAAW Collection Catalog
December’s View the Vault theme was “light” – as suggested by Sarah Sharpe, the Joukowsky Institute’s Assistant Director. As winter grew closer, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the many objects in the collection that provide light or warmth — for instance, this oil lamp (Object 231) pictured here. This event was primarily run by Christina Miles and Jace Damon – an undergraduate student concentrating in archaeology and the ancient world, and a current JIAAW Research Apprentice.
Overall, autumn 2023’s View the Vault events at the Joukowsky Institute were great successes. They attracted members of the local community to explore the diverse objects housed within the Joukowsky Institute. If you attended one of these events, then thank you! And if not, or if you are hoping for another look at the objects in our Vault, be on the look out for additional dates in the Spring. Alternatively, come by the Joukowsky Institute 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday to see a host of objects – from a diversity of places and times – displayed throughout Rhode Island Hall.
Written by Joseph Carrino