How do objects become belongings? What does it mean to belong? 

This exhibition draws together artworks and objects from various cultures, geographies, and histories to explore different meanings and experiences of belonging. These works relate to all aspects of life—from childhood memories and everyday life, to death, burial, and the afterlife. Objects of belonging can be as specific as a sense of familial belonging towards an object that accompanies us through childhood; or as broad as an object that identifies the owner or maker as belonging to a specific cultural community. 

The essence of belonging is connection. 

The objects included in this exhibition represent connections and the communities that surround them. However, belonging is never static or confined to a particular space or time. New connections are generated as our own experiences either clash or resonate with the experiences of a different space/time embodied in the assemblage of items. 

As you move throughout the gallery, consider how these objects hold layers of meaning. Whose belongings were they? How did they end up here? 

Curated by students from the 2024–2025 University Museums Internship class: Kaela Allison, Kathryn Hart, Frank Jiang, Jinyan Lu, Alyssa Manalo, Tori Ochave, Jhordawna Richa, Charlie Webb, and Alcor Yu under the direction of M. Jordan Love, Carol R. Angle Academic Curator 

Click here to see other works on view in this exhibition.