Skin & Bone:  Life & Death in Medieval Perth 
 
Skin & Bone: Life & Death in Medieval Perth is a new archaeological exhibition at the  Perth Museum & Art., It is one of the many events taking place  during Perth's celebratory year, 'Perth 800', marking the 800th anniversary of the charter granted by King William I which confirmed the town's royal burgh status.  See full story
 The exhibition charts the archaeology and history of the town from the 11th to the 16th century. The Life gallery of the exhibition displays a wide array of material culture under the themes: Origins, Castle & Defences, Port of Trade, Streets & Vennels, Buildings & Rigs, Master Craftsmen, Everyday Pleasures & Pains, Religion and Food & Drink. The gallery is rounded-off with a look at the history of excavation in the town, including archive footage of the Perth High Street excavation 1975-77. The majority of the things on display have been recovered from excavations in the town over the past forty years, including Perth High Street, Meal Vennel (1983) and Horsecross (2003). But there are also significant loan items on display including the Guildry or Lockit Book (courtesy of the Guildry Incorporation of Perth), the Perth Psalter and the Perth Hammermen Book (both courtesy of the National Library of Scotland), the Perth Hammermen's offering box (courtesy of St John's Kirk), a 14th century copy of the 1210 charter (courtesy of Perth & Kinross Council Archive) and several religious artefacts (courtesy of National Museums Scotland). The Death gallery airs the theme of people and pets through a display of the skeletal materials of several individuals (children, men - including a murder victim - and a woman) and several fighting, working and pet dogs.
This is a rich, colourful exhibition for young and old. Both can try their hand at dressing up or playing a medieval game when they have exhausted looking at the fascinating array of objects.
 
The exhibition runs until 29 December 2010 and the Museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, admission free.
 
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