Knots and Trowels

Daniel Miller’s book The Comfort of Things (2008) investigates an ordinary road through the objects of the inhabitants. They had no clue what they would find.

As I am getting towards the end of my degree, I’m looking back and reflecting on my time at university. Did I do the correct activities? Did I study the correct way? What assignments have I actually done?

One assignment has stuck with me when I hit that last question. First assignment of semester one of first year.

‘Ethnographic Evaluation’

The big words glared at me from my computer screen. I had barely learnt what an ethnography was the morning before and now I had to evaluate it?

Searching through the list of ethnographies to try to evaluate and read, having no clue why I was studying anthropology if I was an history and archaeology student, I came across a book. The Comfort of Things by Daniel Miller. An investigation into people through their possessions and the stories that can be told from it.

Through objects alone, Miller was able to reveal the lives of 30 people (or portraits as they’re referred as) to the world. It got me thinking as to what three objects in my life are unapologetically ‘Bronwyn’.

Number 1: The Camp Blanket.

I have been in Girlguiding since I was a Rainbow. I’ve been through it all right up to leader and district commissioner and this blanket is a memory I can wrap myself up in. It holds my accomplishments. It holds my friends. It holds nostalgia. It holds safety.

It is well known that I have a camp blanket. I will sit in communal areas of my house sewing my memories on. I will use it for non-guiding related camps. It is my pride and so it follows me most places (also because I am cold 90% of the time so it is needed).

Number 2: The Record Player

Since 2019 I have become a giant fan of the 1960s folk/folk rock scene. It started off with an innocent love for The Beatles, then The Monkees, and now I can play various Pete Seeger songs on the banjo. This record player has seen it all, It has moved house multiple times and has been a loyal friend.

One of the hacks I learnt in A-levels is that it is great for studying. I often get too engrossed in what I am doing to take a break. I will listen to one side of a record then go get some water and take a small rest. Then I will flip it and work for the other side.

Number 3: The Polaroid Camera

This is a new addition. If you had asked me before 2023, I would have said my growing stamp collection (I know, I am a nerd). This camera came into my life as I wanted something more permanent to hold in my hands of my memories of my university days. This camera has provided me with many amazing photos that live in my purple photo album which has been decorated with sheep stickers.

One of the main things that links each of these objects is a love of history and memories. Perhaps that is why I study archaeology and history. One thing is certain though – I wouldn’t be me without these objects.