Online exhibition explores the dark history of witchcraft
A new student-led exhibition explores 200 years of suspicions and actions that fuelled the myths we associate with witchcraft today
The newly-launched online exhibition has been curated by MLitt Museum Studies students at the University of Aberdeen. Drawing on the university’s rich collections, it takes virtual visitors on a journey of discovery, examining aspects of early modern Scotland in an attempt to understand why witchcraft accusations were so rife at this time.
Objects ranging from a 17th-century handbook for hunting a witch written by a king, to devices used to punish the accused, on to more innocuous items thought to bring good luck, will be used to consider the broader aspects of the subject.
The impact of gendered violence and oppression, the perceived difference between magic and medicine and the role of the Church and religion will be introduced through the curation.
As part of the MLitt Museum Studies programme, the students chose the topics, selected items for display and worked on every aspect of the exhibition, from delivery to promotion.
Caitlin Jamison (pictured), who worked on the interpretation for the exhibition, said: ‘I loved the process of delving into the mysteries of witchcraft is Scotland.
‘In writing the content for this online exhibition, my classmates and I have tried to shape how people understand this important topic. Magic, medicine and religion collide in a way that still has resonance today, which makes it so fascinating to explore’.
Toil & Trouble:Witchcraft in Scotland is available online at the University of Aberdeen website: https://scot.sh/toil