This exhibition showcases 43 items of adornment from the McClung Museum’s permanent collections from across the globe, exploring the intricate language of clothing and accessories in expressing identities.
Throughout history, humans have adorned themselves to convey unspoken messages. Adornments serve protective and symbolic roles and address spiritual or physical needs. They commemorate pivotal life moments like marriage, childbirth, and adulthood, and offer solace in difficult times of war or mourning.
Analyzing the motivations behind these choices provides insights into attitudes towards beauty, status, and identity and how our adornments communicate the complex tapestry of human experience.
The exhibition begs the question “Does our attire define us?”