Material Culture and Museology — DU B. Sc. (Hons) Anthropology Previous Year Question Papers

1. How have museums evolved from their origins to contemporary institutions, and what is their role in preserving and interpreting cultural heritage? 2. In what ways does museum architecture influence the interpretation and experience of exhibits ? 3. How is gender represented in museum spaces, and how have museums perpetuated or challenged gender norms ? Assess through feminist perspectives. 4. Discuss the impact of trends and subcultures using anthropological perspectives in Museum studies. 5. What is the role of community museums in heritage preservation and engagement ? Discuss benefits and challenges of community-led efforts. What principles guide museum conservation, and what challenges do professionals face in preserving diverse cultural materials ? How can digital museology support decolonising practices ? Discuss with examples of innovative digital projects. What ethical dilemmas do museums face in conservation, especially regarding ownership, repatriation, and heritage rights ? 9. Write short notes of any two of the following : (a) Bodily adornment and social/symbolic categories (b) Architecture and the 'museum effect (c) Material culture and memory - (d) Interpretive approaches in museums.