Future Relics: Creating the archaeological artifacts of the future

By Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Emerging Objects, Brahmdeo Ram Pandit

A collaboration between Google Arts & Culture, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai and the British Museum in London,  "Future Relics" combined ancient craft with modern technology to ask the question: What object would you like archaeologists 1000 years from now to remember our present day culture by? 

Future Relics: Creating Archeological Artifacts of the Future (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Ashokan Edict No. IX (Maurya; About 250 BC)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

“This exhibition will showcase both the similarities and the differences between different cultures and civilisations […]. It will be an opportunity for people to see and understand their own history and culture while also accepting and respecting other cultures."

 - Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director, CSMVS, on 'India and the World'

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Take a tour of India and the World: A History in Nine Stories!

India and the World: A History in Nine Stories is a landmark exhibition that showcases some of the most important objects and works of art from the Indian subcontinent in dialogue with iconic pieces from the British Museum collection. The exhibition brings together around 200 objects not only from the collections of the British Museum, London; CSMVS, Mumbai; and National Museum, New Delhi but from around 20 museums and private collections across India. It highlights the strong connections India has shared historically with the rest of the world promoting an exchange of ideas and influences that have helped create a global culture.

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CSMVS Visitors interacting with Future Relics installation (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

What object would you like archaeologists 1000 years from now to remember our present day culture by?

"Future Relics" invited thousands of people visiting the India and the World: A History in Nine Stories exhibition at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum in Mumbai to respond to this question.

Future Relics installation view (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

In doing so the interactive installation invited visitors to consider the importance of objects, and the stories they tell, in their own lives.

CSMVS Visitors interacting with Future Relics installation (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Visitors could choose to respond to the question in Hindi, Marathi or English.

These responses contributed to the design of a growing collection of vases, representing the objects that matter the most to people today.

Future Relics Digital Rendering, Mid Landscape View., 2017-11/2018-02, From the collection of: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
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Thousands of visitor responses were recorded in their own handwriting and imprinted onto digital versions of clay pots.

A live data visualization showed each visitor’s word grouped according to who has submitted the same word.

Future Relics Digital Rendering, Top Landscape View, 2017-11/2018-02, From the collection of: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
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Each group of words formed a vase. Each new, unique word created a new vase. As vases appeared and grew a live visualisation created a growing landscape of vases; forming, fragmenting and reforming as more words are added.

Majiayao Pot (2500 - 2300 BC)British Museum

Did you know?

For centuries, pots have helped us uncover the lost stories of cities and civilisations. They are some of the most prevalent findings on many archaeological sites. Distinct markings often found on ceramic vessels have helped to reveal vital insights into our past and the way we lived.

Popular entry Plastic, Grouping Animation (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

In the backend Google Translate analysed and translated the words to help group the similar words as entered in Hindi, Marathi and English, transcending language.

Visitors could choose to see the 'connections' they had with other visitors based on the submitted entries in the different languages.

By doing this, the interaction not only explores how objects connect, but also how stories and new meanings can be unlocked when objects are placed in dialogue with one another.

Week 11 popular word, Mobile (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The most popular object that visitors shared was 'Mobile Phone'.

Week 11 unique word, Tongs (2017-11/2018-02)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

However, there were many unique entries as well, for example 'Tongs'.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Bringing the popular responses to life

3D rendering by Emerging Objects (2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The next question was: how to translate these responses into actual physical relics that would contain this shared memory, and could even be dug up by archaeologists a 1000 years from now?

Working with leading 3D printing studio Emerging Objects, the ten most popular responses were translated into a 3D rendering that could then be printed using clay that was handcrafted in Mumbai.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Of over 7000 responses that visitors contributed in the three month duration of the exhibition, the top 10 entries were:

1. Mobile Phone
2. Car
3. Computer
4. Can
5. Book
6. Plastic
7. Utensils
8. Gold
9. Spectacles
10. Soil

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

A workshop was set up at the museum premises to 3D print the vases based on these responses.

Sudents and visitors were invited see the birth of these physical relics using a very special clay that was handmade by reknowned master ceramics craftsman and a Padma Shri Awardee, Shri Bhrahmdeo Ram Pandit.

BR Pandit's ceramics studio (2018-02) by BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Shri Bhrahmdeo Ram Pandit is a master ceramicist. He prepares his own clay carefully in large batches and smoothens the texture out using the help of a pug-mill. The pug-mill clears out the air bubbles within the clay.

For the 'Future Relics' artifacts to be strong and last for years, he contributed his clay to be used in the 3D printer.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Take a sneak peek at how the 3D printer worked its charm!

Virginia explaining the 3D printing workshop to school kids (2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Many students lined up curiously to know more about how technology can be used to help create cultural artifacts. Virginia from Emerging Objects explains to them the step-by-step process.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Slowly and steadily all the vases grew layer by layer, each with an imprint of a word that resonated with the people today.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Here you can see the 3D printer at work, finishing up the vase with the word 'Computer' in both English and in Hindi imprinted.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Another top response was 'Utensils'. Here you can see the form in English, and in Marathi - 'Bhaandi'.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

In the space of a week, 10 unique future relics were created.

Future Relics 3D Printing Workshop with Emerging Objects at CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging ObjectsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Designer Ronald Rael holds up one of the freshly 3D printed 'Future Relic'.

The Ten 3D Printed and Glazed Vases top view (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The final touches: firing and glazing

Shri Bhramdeo Ram Pandit's Studio Knowing the Craftsmanship (2018-02) by BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Shri Bhrahmdeo Ram Pandit is a master ceramicist. He not only prepares his own clay, but also his own glazes carefully and in large batches.

Before proceeding, Shri Brahmdeo Ram Pandit explained in detail the expectations from the different types of clays and glazes. With his years of experience, each step was being consulted with care.

In this photo: Shrimati Devaki Pandit, Shri Brahmdeo Ram Pandit, their son Abhay Pandit, explain to Ronald Rael the different clay and glaze treatments and their results in their large studio.

BR Pandit glazing the Future Relics (2018-02) by BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The fragile air-dried clay vases were transported from the museum to his ceramics studio miles away, to be glazed and fired by him.

Here he gets his hands dirty enthusiastically to glaze the pieces one by one.

Glazing the Future Relics.png (2018-02) by BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The glaze is sprayed over the clay while on a rotating stand so that an even coat is spread and sits into all the crevices.

BR Pandit opening the firing kiln (2018-02) by BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Ceramics need to be fired and glazed to become strong and lasting.

The air-dried clay is given a primary glaze coat and fired at 1250ºC. The second firing is done at 1150ºC with another coat of glaze.

Each artist has their own formula, and the firing is dependent on the type of clay that is used. It shouldn't be too hot or too cool, otherwise the clay will crack.

Here, Shri BR Pandit opens the firing kiln once cool, to inspect how the vases have turned out.

The Ten 3D Printed and Glazed Vases with Popular Words Gifted to CSMVS (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Here you can see the final glazed and fired 'Future Relics', together a unique expression of the objects that matter most to people today.

Future Relic, with the word , Mobile (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Mobile' (English and Hindi)

Future Relic, with the word , Soil (Maati) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Soil' (English) or 'Maati' (Marathi).

Future Relic, with the word , Book (Kitaab) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Book' (English) or 'Kitaab' (Hindi)

Future Relic, with the word , Book (Kitaab) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Future Relic, with the word , Plastic (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Plastic' (English and Hindi).

Future Relic, with the word , Car (Gaadi) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Car' (English) or 'Gaadi' (Hindi).

Future Relic, with the word , Utensils (Bhaandi) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Utensils' (English) or 'Bhaandi' (Marathi).

Future Relic, with the word , Gold (Sona) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Gold' (English) or 'Sona' (Hindi).

Future Relic, with the word , Can (Dabde) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Can' (English) or 'Dibde' (Marathi).

Future Relic, with the word , Spectacles (Chashma) (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Spectacles' (English) or 'Chashma' (Hindi).

Future Relic, with the word , Computer (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Detail of 3D printed and glazed vase with the word 'Computer' (English and Hindi).

Future Relic, with the word , Computer (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

The Ten 3D Printed and Glazed Vases (2017-11/2018-02) by Emerging Objects, BR PanditChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

These ten 'Future Relics' are now housed in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) as a gift for future generations to uncover.

Credits: Story

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
The British Museum
Emerging Objects: Ronald Rael, Virginia San Fratello
Shri Brahmdeo Ram Pandit, Abhay Pandit

in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture

Dive deeper into India and the World: A History in Nine Stories
and explore more at https://www.indiaandtheworld.org/

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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