This digital project is called Surrounded by the Spirits, a virtual exhibit that was on display at West Chester University’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology from 2023-2024.
The curator, Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, is a professor of Anthropology and head of the West Chester University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The exhibit was student co-curated, meaning a group of students also participated in the curation of this exhibit.
Dr. Paul Stoller
Dr. Paul Stoller, Anthropology Professor Emeritus, is known for his ethnographical work with the Songhay people of West Africa. His focus is on spirit possession and magic.
In these images from the exhibit, the virtual exhibition highlights different cultural material from the Songhay people. There is interactive segments where the user can click the “plus” sign where it zooms in on the object and gives a description. There are also videos the user can watch about the history of the Songhay.