This project is split up into five main parts:
WHAT’S GOING ON: An explanation of the inspiration and purposes behind this archive. Recommended to read first!
BROAD STROKES: A timeline that marks the major turning points and events in each dragon chronology, comparing changes in symbolism and physicality. I recommend at least skimming this before the mini-archive to gain a general idea of the differences between cultures.
THE DRAGON ARCHIVE: A mini-exhibit built on Omeka that zooms in on 10 artefacts (5 from China, 5 from Christian Europe). They’re chosen because I believe they’re particularly representative of dragons in that specific era, and can tell a story about their respective cultures once put together. Close readings of these artefacts’ history were conducted to better understand the context surrounding dragons during that specific time period. Includes explanations of my metadata choices throughout the process!
BEHIND THE SCENES: An essay written during the process of creating this archive, comparing and analysing two very different archives that I’ve utilised: the institutional National Palace Museum Open Data resource, and Archive of Our Own, a decentralised fanworks archive that prioritises folksonomy above all else. Relevant to understanding my metadata choices.
CONCLUSION: Major takeaways, reflecting on the site choices, and where I want the project to go next!
When you’re ready, let the pig-dragon take you to where you need to go!
This is a curated archive that tracks the evolution and symbolism of dragons in Dynastic China and Christian Europe, putting the two in conversation instead of seeing them as completely independent chronologies.
This adorable pig-dragon is your site menu! You can click it to get to any other page you want! If it’s getting in your way, just drag it! Try it out!
SO LOONG, FAREWELL TO DEFERENCE!
WELCOME TO DAVINA'S CURATED DRAGON ARCHIVE
