The Deep Dig

Uncover the artistry and significance of jewelry across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Americas. Explore intricate manufacturing techniques of ancient craftspeople, and discover the rich tapestry of decorative elements, including pearls, precious metals, gemstones, and faience (glazed ceramic).

Learn more about the extensive jewelry collection at the Penn Museum, much of which was excavated in the early 20th century by Penn archaeologists. Hear fascinating stories about the discovery and excavation of jewelry by archaeologists around the world.

Join us for a riveting exploration where history, culture, style, and the allure of buried treasure converge.

Week 1: Explore why archaeologists study jewelry, delve into the origins of the first gold jewelry in tombs, and examine enduring manufacturing techniques from ancient times to the present. The session provides an overview of jewelry's insights into ancient and modern cultures, discussing raw materials like gold, silver, precious stones, and semi- precious stones, as well as unique materials such as feathers and animal teeth.

Week 2: Travel around the world with a focus on the Penn Museum’s collection of ancient jewelry. Hear exciting stories associated with excavations that uncovered priceless gold jewelry and other treasures. Visit ancient tombs in Egypt, the jungles of Borneo, and the River of Gold in Panama. Learn about the Penn Museum’s most eccentric donor, Philadelphia’s Maxwell Sommerville, who bequeathed a vast collection of engraved gems.

Week 3: Learn about one of the most fantastic discoveries of the early 20th century— the Royal Cemetery of Ur in Mesopotamia. One of the Penn Museum’s first major expeditions uncovered tombs containing a wealth of jewelry. A review of jewelry from the Death Pit of Queen Puabi, seen through exceptional close-up photography, reveals much about how Puabi lived and the rituals that took place before she was buried.

Week 4: Dr. Hickman concludes the course with a journey from Bactrian royal burials to Turkish gold jewelry from Troy, a 6th-century BCE burial in Gordion, and a preview of her upcoming book on 3rd millennium BCE Minoan jewelry from Crete.