Research
Monthly Archive: December rese
The 'Goddess' and the Museum: Museum Attitudes
In this second instalment of my work on the archives I pick up the story of the ROM’s ‘Minoan’ Ivory Goddess, looking at her fluctuating reputation within the museum itself.
The 'Goddess' and the Museum: The Early Years
Join me in delving into the archives to uncover the story of this iconic object.....
New Research from the Burgess Shale: Thorny worms that swarmed in the Cambrian seas
Hallucigenia sparsa is no ordinary animal. This poster child of the Burgess Shale biota is the ultimate weirdo!
Virtual Collaboration: The whole story of ancient Roman amethyst gem
On August 30, 2012 I posted a blog on the rediscovery of a very striking and important ancient Roman amethyst gem engraved with the image of Victory writing on a shield, dating to about 50 BC to AD 25. I also mentioned that the gem was in the collection of Sir Francis Cook by 1903. The posting paid off! Last week I received an email from Dr. Erika Zwierlein-Diehl, a professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, telling me that she had seen my blog and immediately recognized our gem. Dr.
Does a mild winter mean more insects?
With increasing frequency, as spring rolls in, ROM entomologists are asked this question: will mild winter temperatures result in more bugs this spring and summer? Unfortunately, there is no simple “yes” or “no” answer to this question — the best response is “It depends”.
A surprise photograph from India
Mystery portrait in the ROM's collection, later revealed to be Sunder Shyam Chadha in the film “Chhottii Babhi,” 1951
Gem of the Month: Canadian Diamonds
Posting by Brendt Hyde, Mineralogy Technician
The discovery of diamonds in the 1990’s marked a beginning for Canada’s first diamond mine, the Ekati Diamond Mine, located in the Northwest Territories. It also marked the beginning of the, still relatively young, diamond mining industry in Canada.
“A Rolling Stone Gathers no Moss” but the stories they can tell…
Submitted by Vincent Vertolli, Assistant Curator Geology
Biodiversity Series wins award!
The Ontario Association of Landscape Architects recognized the City of Toronto Biodiversity Series of booklets with their Service to the Environment award. The award is “In recognition of the recipient’s ongoing contribution in supporting sensitive, sustainable stewardship of the environment.”
