Cambridge University Prize Winner: Tamsin Smith

On the 10th September I was awarded the opportunity to attend a celebration lunch at Gonville & Caius Collage, Cambridge to celebrate my prize-winning entry for the Caius Explore History Prize.  The Director of Studies and Professors from subject interests would be attending.

I wrote an object bibliography focusing on the Namgis Masks from the Canadian Kwakwaka’wakw tribe, exploring the cultural and colonial importance for the tribe.  These masks were used in ceremonies, traditions and under the rule of the British they were used as a sign of colonial resistance, but with the masks still being held in places like the British Museum it shows the lasting impact of colonialism.

During the celebration event there were sessions where we were given the opportunity to ask current members of staff and students about their experience of studying at Cambridge and the application process.  After the Q&A session there was a tour of the collage, whilst learning the history and what it’s like living and working there.  Following the tour there was the lunch with the admissions tutors, where we were able to discuss and further understand their work and the focuses of some of the Professors.  Overall, it was a fascinating experience where it was inspiring to hear the Professors talk passionately about their work and exciting to meet students from across the country.

Tamsin Smith