From the Caribbean to Cambridge Welcoming the Advisory Group

The From Caribbean to Cambridge advisory group stand in the museum's archaeology workroom, smiling broadly. Alongside them is the World Archaeology curator and an honorary affiliated researcher.

The 'From the Caribbean to Cambridge' Advisory Group meet with Curator of World Archaeology Dr Jimena Lobo Guerrero Arenas and Honorary Affiliated Researcher Mary Hill Harris.

The Museum was pleased to welcome members of the From the Caribbean to Cambridge Advisory Group for a visit to the MAA and the Caribbean Collection at the Centre for Material Culture (CMC) on Monday 2 March 2026. The early spring sunshine provided a fitting backdrop to what was an inspiring, engaging and productive day. 

The advisory group stand between rows of shelves containing wooden boxes. The World Archaeology Curator talks to them about boxes containing material from the Caribbean.

The 'From the Caribbean to Cambridge' Advisory Group visit the Centre for Material Culture to see where archaeological material from the Caribbean is stored.

During their visit, the Advisory Group also toured the MAA galleries and viewed the museum spaces where the permanent Caribbean display may eventually be installed. This marked an important step in developing a shared approach to the representation and interpretation of Caribbean collections within the Museum. 

The advisory group explore the anthropology collections on display within one of the museum galleries. In the background rises a totem pole whilst in the foreground are large carved containers and a model of a shark.

The 'From the Caribbean to Cambridge' Advisory Group explore the Maudslay Hall.

At the CMC, discussions continued through a series of thought-provoking exchanges. Members had the opportunity to reconnect with pre-Columbian objects from across the Caribbean, including those connected to their own heritage. These conversations will help shape the next stage of the project and inform forthcoming work with the Caribbean Community Participatory Group. 

A smiling member of the advisory group holds a carved piece of stone up to her face. On the table behind her is a map covered in post-it notes.

A member of the 'From the Caribbean to Cambridge' Advisory Group with a Antiguan axe. Stone axe, Antigua, Caribbean, Pre-Columbian. MAA Z 2510.

Building on the momentum of the day, the Museum looks forward to continuing this collaborative work with both the Advisory Group and the Community Participatory Group, as the project develops further.