Expressing Form and Function

Archaeologists, historians and scientists generally agree that since 6000 BCE, metal has had an ever increasing role in global human activity.  Over the course of time, metal has become a key ingredient in the construction of both functional and ornamental items.

The range of objects made from metal illustrates the versatility of this medium: from everyday to highly decorated ornamental pieces, metal's durability, malleability, luminance and resonance have contributed to the diverse cultural values given to metal objects. This exhibit rpresents a sampling of objects that exemplify the diversity of forms and functions metal objects have had across time and place.