On October 30th, the Institute of European Studies at UC Berkeley hosted Professor Asta Mønsted, a distinguished archeologist with a PhD from the University of Copenhagen and new faculty at UC Berkeley's Scandinavian Department, for a lecture on integrating oral history with archeological evidence. This event, attended by approximately 15 individuals, provided a unique perspective on reevaluating traditional archeological practices.
Mønsted conducted extensive fieldwork in Denmark, Greenland, and Japan, focusing on prehistoric archeology and Arctic folklore and studying the connection between the Inuit oral traditions and the archeological records. In her lecture, Mønsted acknowledged the limitations of conventional archeological approaches, which often treat oral histories as supplementary to physical artifacts. Instead, she argued that oral histories should stand as valid evidence on their own and challenge existing archaeological records. Her goal was to encourage reconsideration of their current potential in understanding archeological remains.
Mønsted continued her lecture by sharing insights from her research on Inuit oral histories documented from 1735 to 1981, emphasizing their importance in understanding architectural elements present in Greenland. She illustrated this with an example of how the entrances to Inuit structures were connected to ritual activities, showcasing how oral histories can provide enriching perspectives on archeological findings. The main portion of her lecture detailed her oversight of the "Taking Care" project, a collaborative effort among four European museums aimed at preserving ethnographic collections while maintaining their cultural and historical significance. Through a compelling anecdote from Glicéria Tupinambá, a woman from Brazil, Mønsted underscored the crucial need for cultural input in such initiatives. Glicéria, inspired by a dream of her ancestor urging her to revive traditional practices like feather crown-making, visited a museum displaying a repatriated crown. She remarked, “These objects are dead; you have killed them,” pointing out improper placement of feathers and the lack of cultural awareness. This story became an essential lesson for the “Taking Care” project, emphasizing the importance of repatriation, accessibility, and ethical artifact handling to foster stronger ties between museums and the communities whose heritage they protect.
Mønsted concluded the lecture by discussing the potential applications of her research, suggesting that contemporary architecture could incorporate traditional Greenlandic design elements, especially in Arctic regions. She states that this approach would not only honor cultural heritage but also offer practical solutions for sustainable living in extreme environments, blending tradition and modernity. In conclusion, Monsted emphasized the importance of intertwining oral history and archaeological evidence to achieve a more holistic understanding of the past. She hopes to demonstrate the value of cultural narratives and their key role in shaping both historical interpretations and contemporary practices.