Multiculturalism – POLONEZ BIS

08 27 2024

Clothes do not make a man

Justyna Wojniak Multiculturalism, Research, Science 0

The phrase “clothes do not make a man” suggests that a person’s character, values, and abilities are more important than their outward appearance or attire. While this idea emphasizes the importance of inner qualities, there are several arguments against it, asserting that clothes can, in fact, have a significant impact on how a person is perceived and treated, and even on their own behavior and self-perception. It is worth seeing what contemporary research can tell about it.

Clothing is a significant part of cultural and social identity. It can signal belonging to a particular group, convey status, and express individual or collective identity. In many cultures, specific attire is associated with particular roles, rites of passage, or social status, and wearing these clothes can affirm and reinforce a person’s identity within that culture. Throughout history, clothing has played a crucial role in signaling social status, occupation, and even political allegiance. In many cultures, what one wears can have deep symbolic meaning, influencing how individuals are perceived and treated within society. If clothing was to indicate power, it had to be obviously different in form, color or richness of decorations from the clothing of the rest of society. This specificity has been used since the earliest civilizations and cultures.

Project Costumes of Authority, the image of Royalty and Clergy in Christian Nubia led by Karel Innemee under POLONEZ BIS program analyzes the costumes depicted in medieval wall paintings as an expression of the power and authority of their wearers, but the main goal is to say more about the relation between state and Church when it came to who had power and it what sense. Not only depictions of costumes, but also texts that mention kings, royal mothers, and clergy are important sources of information, and sometimes relatively small details can reveal interesting information. For this reason the research team consists of not only art historians and archaeologists, but also philologists with knowledge about the languages that were spoken and written in Medieval Nubia: Old Nubian, Coptic, and Greek. In the last 18 months the team has made important progress, and not in the least by consulting and exchanging points of view with colleagues from various disciplines. On 12 and 13 April 2024 Dr. Innemee invited seven internationally renowned scholars from various disciplines to Warsaw for a two day workshop about power and authority of state and Church. In this way the research team could discuss and compare how religious and worldly power interacted in pre-Christian Nubia, pharaonic Egypt, and Byzantium. The results of the workshop will be of importance in the text of the final publication that is now being prepared. Of great importance for elaborating and interpreting the material of the project a database of painting was composed, especially designed for all the elements that are part of the royal and ecclesiastical outfits.

The second part of the program concerns the reconstruction of a number of costumes in life size. The purpose is to see and feel how a person’s movements are influenced by being dressed in such a ceremonial way and what impression it must have made on the viewers. For this task a cooperation with the School of Form in Warsaw (part of the SWPS University) was started and the results are exciting. First an analysis was made of the dyes that were used in archaeological textiles from Nubia, and on the basis of this a large number of test samples in various fabrics were made. From these a selection was made and in the next phase the complete costumes of a bishop, two kings from different periods and two royal mothers are being made. All this takes place under the coordination of dr Agnieszka Jacobson, dean of the School of Form, while Dorothée Roqueplo, an internationally renowned designer of theatrical costumes, is responsible for the sartorial process. The costumes will soon be completed and on 17 October 2024 they will be presented in the Great Auditorium of the Louvre in Paris. (see https://www.louvre.fr/expositions-et-evenements/evenements-activites/archeologie-du-textile-restituer-les-costumes-du-pouvoir-de-la-nubie-chretienne-6e-14e-siecles ).

After that they will be part of an exhibition in the Bode Museum in Berlin and then in the National Museum in Warsaw.

This is not only relevant for specialists, but also a way of confronting a wider (international) audience with the research results of the project. Apart from that, a popularized version of the results will be presented to the visitors of the National Museum in Warsaw, by two specially designed guided tours that will be conducted by a professional guide. The purpose is to show how authority, not only in Nubia, but in other periods and regions as well, was expressed through costumes and attributes. For the principal investigator this project so far was a way of getting into closer contact with the academic world of Warsaw and a reason to investigate the possibilities for further research in the Christian culture of the Nile valley.

WhatsApp Image 2024-08-05 at 11.46.27_f7fe914f

In summary, while the idea that “clothes do not make a man” emphasizes the importance of character over appearance, clothing undeniably influences how others perceive and treat individuals, and can even affect self-perception. Therefore, as it is shown above, in many contexts, clothes do play a significant role in shaping a person’s rank and respectability.

Principal Investigator: dr Karel Christiaan Innemée

Project Title: Costumes of Authority. The Image of Royalty and Clergy in Christian Nubia

Project’s website: www.nubianauthorities.archeologia.uw.edu.pl

01 23 2024

Cooperation with local communities and openness towards diversified recipients

Justyna Wojniak Multiculturalism, Research 0

The European Commission’s opinion is that development of scientific activity should go hand in hand with researchers’ social responsibility, but at the same time with the society’s awareness. To achieve such a state of affairs it becomes indispensable for the scientific and social spheres to cooperate. This requires a dialog between representatives of both those environments occupying equal positions. Keeping a high level of scientific research and technological innovation requires continuous recruitment of talented researchers, but also inspiration. The researchers come from a broadly understood society, and the impulse for development of research problems is posed by social needs and expectations. However, it must be kept in mind that the scientific environment should restrain from treating publicity in a paternalistic manner and perceiving it as a poor recipient of scientific activity’s results. Such an approach is related to particular democratization of the science development process. It is worth adding that democratization perceived in such a manner has its relatively practical justification, arising from the fact that financing of the scientific and research operations comes from public resources.

Solving contemporary problems

When it comes to opportunities brought by science to the area of solving contemporary problems, attention is focused on the need to improve social awareness in that scope. This is also related to recognition of potential threats and risks that can be noticed here. Thus, it is impossible to bring notions related to science and technology closer to publicity without adequate preparation of the recipients. Therefore, education, both in the formal and informal manner plays a crucial role here. On one hand, it provides individuals with the most elementary knowledge on phenomena or processes that pose the research subject in an obvious manner. On the other hand – its role should be to trigger interest in that area and achievement that emerges within it. However, it is equally important to shape some critical attitudes during the educational process, directed to some forms of scientific operations or its potential effects.

01 15 2024

Does diversity in science make a difference?

Marta Majorek Multiculturalism, Science 0

It is quite obvious that scientific research has long been recognized as a collaborative and global endeavor, transcending borders and cultures. We live in the era where diversity and inclusion are increasingly valued, so undoubtedly multicultural scientific programs play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, understanding, and progress. The European Union is a leader in supporting this type of initiatives. The Polish National Science Center also runs programs aimed at providing both more and less experienced scientists with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge scientific research in Poland, and in addition enhancing the country’s research landscape and promoting international collaboration. One of these projects, Polonez BIS is mostly dedicated to multiculturalism, strongly encouraging the participation of researchers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Why is multiculturalism so important in scientific programs?

Scientific breakthroughs often result from collaborative efforts across borders. Multicultural programs create an environment where researchers can establish international collaborations, share knowledge, and leverage each other’s strengths. The Polonez BIS program seems to act as a bridge that connects Polish researchers with their counterparts worldwide, and in addition fosters a global network that breaks cultural boundaries.

Nowadays we can indicate many examples showing that multicultural programs facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. Scientists who participate in the Polonez BIS program not only contribute to Polish research but also immerse themselves in the local culture. This cultural exchange fosters mutual respect, broadening perspectives and promoting a sense of global unity among researchers.

The path to inclusiveness

Multiculturalism in scientific programs enhances the reputation of host institutions and supports recognition for the broader scientific community. The Polonez BIS program elevates Poland’s standing in the global scientific arena by attracting researchers and creating an inclusive environment. We need to tackle climate change, pandemics, and energy unsustainability, so that require collaborative, interdisciplinary and highly inclusive solutions.

Multicultural scientific programs bring together researchers with varied experiences, perspectives, and expertise. This diversity serves as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion, as individuals from different cultural backgrounds approach problems in unique ways.

The Polonez BIS program, by attracting researchers globally, ensures a rich tapestry of ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. As we move forward in the 21st century, the emphasis on multiculturalism in scientific programs will remain crucial for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering a more inclusive and interconnected scientific community.