During our long five day weekend, my dorm mates and I decided to make something of our time… so we made a trip to the American Museum of Natural History!  It’s so easy to get to (the 81st Street stop on the B or C train), you can spend the whole day there, and it’s loads of fun!  For those of you who have never been there, look at it as a way to meet Dum Dum from Night at the Museum!

Something interesting that I learned is that much of what is loosely termed “slavery” in Africa was actually serfdom, which was more humane and mainly a way to deal with war captives and criminals.  Interestingly enough, serfdom would allow them to work and gradually secure themselves a better, more honorable place in society.  The coastal slave trade is what later brought corruption, especially the treatment that came along with the “middle passage.”

Along with learning new things, it’s always great to experience things you’ve already learned.  In Anthropology we’ve recently learned about Shamans and how specific groups believe in their healing powers.  It was cool to read more about this in the museum and even see an example of what it might look like.

I also read something in the museum about people in the Amazon who, for no reason at all, drink lots and lots of beer.  Even after guests have drunk until they are full, it is still bad manners for them to refuse more.  They are expected to even throw up in order to make room for more.  What’s so amazing is that I am currently reading an ethnography is which the Achuar people of the Amazon do this very thing.  It was exciting to learn about it again in the museum!

Definitely make a trip to the Museum of Natural History!