A memorial to Nelson Mandela to mark centenary of Arch and Anth tripos

451 delegates from around the world attended the Centenary celebration of the establishment of the Archaeology and Anthropology degree at the University of Cambridge.

The degree has attracted a broad range of participants including  royalty, politicians and diplomats as well as leading academics.

Events included a reception in the Archaeology and Anthropology Museum and a formal dinner at Magdalene College where College Master Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, was guest speaker. 

Nelson Mandela visited Magdalene to accept an honorary Fellowship ten years ago

Dr Williams said: “In a world where it is easy to polarize between humanities and sciences, which can sometimes cripple intellectual adventurousness, here is a field of study which has managed to weave them together with colossal creativity.”

“I know Nelson Mandela was deeply committed to the establishment of this Professorship in his own time and he gave his blessing to early discussions about it.   As we look to the future we have many reasons for thinking that this is a natural, proper and worthy memorial for the University and Magdalene College.”

The University has extensive collections of African archaeology and anthropology.

Dr Simon Stoddart of the Department said: “In the last hundred years so much which is profoundly  creative and innovative in this field came from this relatively small group in Cambridge.

“Today enormous investment in modern infrastructure and cutting edge research facilities is spearheading the continuing success of the Department as a world-leading force.”

The Department  of Archaeology and Anthropology is part of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science (HSPS).

Photo Credit: Howard Guest