The Museum of East Durham Civilisation: Documenting Our Future History

THE MUSEUM OF EAST DURHAM CIVILISATION

DOCUMENTING OUR FUTURE HISTORY

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST DURHAM CIVILISATION DOCUMENTING OUR FUTURE HISTORY

Presented within the museum are a selection of artefacts all discovered in the East Durham area.

The artefacts are varied in the periods they come from, their purpose and how they are made. However, when presented together they give a glimpse into the rich history of East Durham and the societies which have existed within the area

Although the artefacts span a large period of history, they do have some commonality in that it is understood many of the materials the artefacts are made from come from the Veolia hoard The Veolia hoard is an exceptionally well preserved hoard of materials dating from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The Veolia hoard was located in the Joint Stocks Quarry in Durham It is one of several discovered across the island. All with materials preserved in exceptional condition. With records from this time lost we are unsure why materials were preserved in these locations in this way.

Because of this uncertainty there has been much debate around how intentional the preservation at these sites was and the purpose of the preservation. With some historians and academics believing that the sites were simply too well maintained to be for any other purpose than to ensure a selection of materials from the period were conserved for posterity.

However, others have theorised that these materials were in fact waste and discarded materials Pointing to the haphazard storage of items and the mixing of food with non consumable materials. Although we may not know why this selection of materials was preserved, the resulting preservation has led to an array of artefacts being created over the years from the materials. Some of which are presented in this display at the Museum of East Durham Civilisation.

LIST OF ARTEFACTS

Bonnet

EDC010223SS

Ceremonial costume

EDC020223JEN

Collar

EDC0302223VAL

Corset

EDC0402223ROS

Epaulet / breast cover

EDC0502223SS

Headpiece

EDC0602223VAL

Healing mask

EDC0702223RUT

Kilt / cape

EDC0802223DON

Lidl leaflet

EDC0902223SS

Shin / arm guard/ bird scarers

EDC1002223SIO

Shroud

EDC1102223SS

Technology model

EDC1202223JEN

Bonnet

Bonnet for wearing as a head covering head by women. The canvas is stitched with a needle work called bargello which was first observed in the 17th Century in Europe. The decorative trim and elastic were added some time after the creation of the canvas, possibly several hundred years, to make a flat sheet into a bonnet.

The pattern depicted is reminiscent of rock strata or agate gemstones. Which were highly prized and commonly used motifs at the time of the canvas’ creation (towards the end of the stabilisation period). This is thought to be due to the increased presence of reclaimed items from landfill hoards which were often organised in a similar way to rock strata. Some groups in society at this time felt that this type of motif had special meaning due to the crucial role these hoards had played in the stabilisation post cataclysm.

Ceremonial costume

This artefact is reminiscent of armour but offers no protection from physical harm due to the lightweight material it is constructed from. We can therefore infer that it’s use was ceremonial rather than practical. This artefact was discovered at the site of the battle of East Durham which took place in the late pre cataclysm era.

The Battle of East Durham was a key event in the Northlands War was a civil war which initially started as a hidden civil war in eventually erupting into protests and then violence. When Northern counties rebelled against the South centric government who further strengthened created North/South divide.

No metal weapons found at the site as all metal objects had been commandeered due to shortages and loss of manufacturing capabilities in the years prior to the war. There is evidence that the factions fought in hand to hand combat due to the lack of metal weapons. Records from the time also show the Southern factions underestimated the threat from the Northern Factions and showed up for the battle unprepared.

The artefact is made from discarded products, likely from a landfill hoard. A common source of materials from this period a time of post manufacturing.

The artefact is highly decorative and is designed to be worn by a woman. It is understood to have been worn in the post battle victory ceremony, as ceremony records show this was only attended by women as it refers to those who fought, and we know in this era men were banned from taking part in frontline military roles after the male reparations declaration. Although this ruling could have been disobeyed as at the time the ability of government to enforce laws was limited, it had become a given part of social rules by this time and was an accepted part of gender norms. EDC020223JEN

Collar

This highly decorative collar was found alongside the headpiece (Catalogue number: EDC0602223VAL). Dating analysis shows they are from a similar time period and were likely used together although the purpose of the collar is not fully understood in relation to the headpiece.

The collar has remnants of protective vapour technology which would allow the wearer to spend time outside of the dome habitats which became necessary for habitation in large parts of the world in the cataclysm period.

The collar is decorated using once discarded items from the 21st century, the materials are from the same hoard as the headpiece materials, known as the Veolia hoard. These materials were highly valued in the cataclysm era due to the resources required to maintain basic habitation, few resources were available to produce such materials.

The collar worn to protect and allow to be outside in the unprotected world that’s now void of living things as the headwear made by using reclaimed and unwanted items as pre manufactured items are now rare.

Corset

This artefact is an item of clothing dating from the late uprising era, little is known about the design of the corset and the variation in design across the sections.

Like many items of clothing from the post cataclysm period the corset uses shiny materials to reflect the sun. the backless design also suggest it was worn in a hot climate and was designed to keep the wearer cool.

The currency symbols and depictions of food suggest an exchange system for food was in place in pre cataclysm society as opposed to the foraging which was common in later periods.

The item is referred to as a corset in various texts from the time. However, it differs significantly from corsets which were common in the 20th century. Which were intended to create desirable silhouettes for women, often creating significant discomfort for the wearer.

However, after the early uprising era feminist revolution corsets were banned as a recognised implementation device of the patriarchy. They remained a long forgotten garment for many centauries until lacing of small patches of various materials became popular due to increased temperatures and the need for clothing only to cover a small amount of the body. It was at this time the name corset was re appropriated to this style of lace up garments.

Epaulet / breast plate

One of a pair of highly decorative wearable items. Intended for wearing on the shoulder and / or breast.

Similar items discovered elsewhere show the item is form the dieback era, a period after the cataclysm and subsequent stabilisation then uprising periods. During this time there were very few societies operating on the island.

Headpiece

The headpiece has mechanical knobs on each side. Similar headpieces have been found depicting symbols, the symbols are thought to relate to sounds which were played through speakers or headphones in the headpiece.

Symbols on other similar artefacts depicts, sea, forests, birds, animals and children. Dating analysis* shows this and similar headpieces date from post cataclysm era. A time when the sounds associated with the symbols would have rarely occurred in the natural world. Experts have therefore theorised that the headpiece was used to play these rare and forgotten sounds to the wearer.

We are unsure of them purpose of this experience and how it fitted into societies of the time. However, one theory is that it was a leisure activity as other finds from this era suggest VR reminiscence was a popular pass time.

*Although dating analysis technologies give us a broad time period for the construction of historical artefacts, we use this data in conjunction with other information. We know that VR reminiscence was banned in the crackdown after a period of civil unrest linked to poor living conditions.

It is clear through printed material dating from this time the government associated an awareness of the destruction of natural habitats and of non assisted reproduction with the civil unrest. Meaning artefacts such as this would be rare post crackdown and where they did exist were discreet due to their illicit nature. Meaning we can say with a good degree of certainty the headpiece was made between the cataclysm event and the crackdown, a period of 20 years.

Healing mask

Healing masks were commonly used in the cataclysm and post cataclysm era. They were used in healing and wellness protection rituals which developed after a series of pandemics and a rise in excess deaths in the cataclysm era. As a result of perceived failures of science and information overwhelm, superstition and anti science sentiment were popular in pre cataclysm era societies. A range of alternative myth based approaches to health came out of this increase in superstitious thinking.

The multiple eyes suggest an all seeing all knowing shaman. Few spiritual texts have been preserved from the pre cataclysm era due to wide spread flooding in the cataclysm era. Therefore, understandings of the myths which shaped the creation of this mask are limited. We can however look to other faiths which may have informed the creation of the mask and the beliefs behind it.

There are several examples of multi eyed deities in pre cataclysm era organised religion. Such as Shiva in Hinduism and Bes in ancient Egyptian belief systems. Academics argue both could have influenced the multi eyed healing mask. As Shiva was known as the destroyer, which some have argued links to the destruction of ill health. Or conversely Bes who was a protector of household particularly of women and children could be an influence as the mask offers protection from ill health.

Kilt / Cape

This artefact is thought to be inspired by a traditional kilt a garment worn in the Northern area of the island formally called Scotland. Evidence of this link to a Scottish kilt has been found in other areas

The kilt was found alongside a small pouch intended for wearing around the waist. This pouch further points to the artefact being based on a kilt as kilts were worn with sporrans, a small pouch worn around the waist often made of leather intended to perform the function of pockets.

The artefact would have been part of everyday wear in the stabilisation era, a period of relative calm post cataclysm before the suppression. It was worn as a decorative and highly fashionable accessory.

Although the materials are not durable and somewhat impractical for everyday wear the artefact was intended as single use or disposable (meaning the item would be worn once or very few times before the materials were reused). This is typical of early stabilisation era fashion which reused waste materials, but in a much less frugal way compared to post suppression era fashion. This is due to the abundance of pre manufactured materials still available through landfill hoards early stabilisation era.

LIDL weekly leaflet

A printed paper leaflet with images of products for sale in Lidl supermarkets.

A leaflet is a printed sheet of paper containing information or advertising and usually distributed free. Leaflets were a common form of advertising and promotion of consumer goods in the 20th century and early 21st century.

A supermarket was a shop (a place where people could purchase products using currency) which offered a wide variety of food, beverages and household products organised into sections. These leaflets ceased being printed and distributed in Lidl supermarkets in 2023.

Shin / arm guards / bird scarers

The artefacts are part of a scarecrow outfit and would have been worn on the shins or arms. The reflective material and tassels are commonly found in outfits and props of the time designed to deter birds.

The padded material offers some protection form bird attack, which was a common occupational hazard for scarecrows in the era.

The artefact may also have been used later in the cataclysm period as part of everyday dress when the problem became significant and deterring birds became no longer solely a role for scarecrows but was part of daily life for most people. During this time most people wore some kind of bird deterrent as part of their daily clothing.

Shroud / mask

This item is thought to be intended for wearing on the head. Although the exact purpose or use of the object is unknown. However, it would have been a prized and important item as the materials used in its construction were particularly rare at the time it was made. With no ability within communities to reproduce these materials and the supply of materials salvaged from hoards almost depleted. Analysis shows most of the materials used in the artefact date from approximately 1500 years before they were bound together. Some materials used in the artefact have been analysed as dating from the Jurassic period (201 to 145 million years ago).

The round fossil is an ammonite, it is made of fool's gold (Pyrite) but is unpolished there was an ancient Roman belief that if you sleep with it under your pillow you will dream of the future. It is not clear whether the maker was aware of this belief as there is no evidence to suggest knowledge of Roman civilisations in this era. It is not known how the material hoard remained in such exceptional condition. However, there is some documentation of underground shelters being created in the cataclysm era. So, it is a popular theory that the material hoard was found in such a location. Documentation and material analysis of other artefacts suggest the material hoard was an unusual and highly prised find at the time it was discovered. As most comparable hoards and artifacts date from 200 years before this artefact was made.

There is no evidence of communication between groups in the post cataclysm period. Therefore, we can conclude the use of discovered ancient materials in this way developed independently in communities around the same time. This is known as convergent evolution. The use of the materials within the artefact suggests the maker did not have understanding of their original use or function. This and other items made using pre cataclysm era materials suggest the items depicted were understood only as motifs or symbols not as food, consumer goods or denotation of currency.

Technology model

This artefact is a model recreation of 21st century electrical technology. Though now eroded, analysis of the back of the artefact shows it was once marked with the bitten fruit symbol.

The model was likely created in the early cataclysm era as rudimentary way to capture the then defunct technology of the 21st century. It is interesting that even in a time of much instability people living in this period felt compelled to capture and understand history. It was likely specially created for the museum as a prop illustrate pre cataclysm era technology and its role in pre cataclysm society.

The device depicted had many uses it was used for communication, research, news updates and leisure. Although the details of how these functions were performed are not clear.

The letters and symbols are part of what was known as a keyboard which was used for written language, before voice to text technology became ubiquitous making keyboards obsolete. It is thought to have existed within the same era as telephone switchboards, another communication technology which was discovered nearby.

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