Modern Copper Alloy Bells

By
Jennifer Torres
Jennifer Torres is the Collections Technician of the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum. Her primary duties include the rehousing and photography of the museum’s collection. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where she received her B.A. in Anthropology and Classical Studies in 2013. In 2015, she received her M.A. in Museum Studies with a concentration in Collections Management from the George Washington University.

Not all bells that jingle are sleigh bells! These cooper alloy bells resembling the face of a monkey and made in the 1960s in the Aztec/Mixtec style received a home makeover this week. Although not ancient or archaeologically derived, these objects still require stabilization in our storage. Custom mounts and boxes were created for each bell, and a tray was made to easily carry the bells as needed.

The old housing did not provide adequate support for the bells.

Custom boxes and mounts were created for each bell.

Each bell is stabilized within its own archival box.

A tray was created to easily carry the bells if necessary.