https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49283 2026-05-26T07:42:22Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146105 Title: Continuity and change : the curation, modification and reuse of the 15th-century choir stalls in St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, Malta (1625 – 1725) Abstract: This dissertation investigates the curation, modification, and reuse of the 15th-century choir stalls at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, between 1625 and 1725. The choir was originally completed in 1490 and dismantled in 1876. Less than 10% of the original material of the fragmented stalls survives today, posing significant challenges to scholarly interpretation. Employing an interdisciplinary framework that integrates archival research, material analysis, and visual observation, this study reconstructs the evolution and treatment of the choir during the century under study which was a critical period in the life-history of this artefact. The research establishes the stalls’ completion date. A hypothesis is presented for their initial configuration, and key modifications are identified, including a previously undocumented relocation in 1626 and the addition of kneelers in 1682. Decorative interventions, such as the replacement of inlaid frames in the late 17th century and the introduction of gilding in the early 18th century, are also analysed. It is argued that the findings reflect evolving liturgical, aesthetic, and functional priorities. These transformations align with broader Counter-Reformation objectives. They also reveal sustained and deliberate efforts to integrate artefacts from the old Cathedral into the newly reconstructed structure, illustrating a nuanced balance between continuity and innovation. By exploring how successive curation decisions were shaped by the cultural, liturgical, and historical significance of the stalls, this study enriches the discourse on heritage preservation, presenting it as a dynamic negotiation of tangible and intangible values. Despite challenges posed by the stalls’ fragmented state and limited primary sources, this research underscores the efficacy of interdisciplinary approaches in reconstructing fragmented heritage. It recognises the choir stalls as enduring witnesses to Malta’s ecclesiastical and artistic evolution, offering a robust framework for future inquiry into their cultural, political, and religious contexts. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141994 Title: Autistic involvement in enhancing accessibility in archaeological sites Abstract: In recent years, several heritage sites from museums to archaeological sites have begun to implement accessible measures to make them more accessible to disabled people, in line with legislation and international conventions. However, the people that are meant to directly benefit from accessible measures are not often consulted on the design and implementation. The scope of the present study is to investigate what accessibility in archaeological sites would look like from the autistic perspective. A qualitative approach was used to carry out this research. The researcher recruited autistic participants and walked with them around two archaeological sites to assess the features, aspects and experience that are accessible to them as autistic individuals in an unstructured interview. The sites chosen were Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park and Għar Dalam. The participants identified several barriers that prevented them from enjoying their experience while walking around the sites. Ħaġar Qim had more barriers than Għar Dalam according to the participants’ responses. These responses were then analysed using thematic analysis. The issues raised included direction and wayfinding, the sensory environment, the participants’ willingness to engage with the site, the shortcomings of accessibility for other people with disabilities as well as recommendations to improve the accessibility at both sites. Each theme is discussed within the context of each site. This research demonstrated the potential for including autistic voices in the discourse of accessibility to cultural heritage. The participants have also suggested solutions to improve accessibility to archaeological sites not just for them but for other disabled people who can benefit from accessible measures, such as reducing noise levels, inputting more tactile and interactive exhibits to explore, better signage and wayfinding, and providing more information that can be easily accessible before visiting the site. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141173 Title: Dementia-friendly museum activities : an exploratory study at MUŻA, the Malta national-community art museum Abstract: The role of museums in society have considerably changed over the past few decades. Originally, museums were mainly focused on the conservation, collection and interpretation of cultural heritage objects. Nowadays, museums have also acquired the role of fostering good practices towards promoting inclusivity and supporting social engagement and positive wellbeing. Persons living with dementia can greatly benefit from this. Several museums have already been providing tailored activity programmes for this specific audience. Even within the Maltese context, some activities were organised over the past few years for persons living with dementia, however to my knowledge, no studies have been conducted related to this topic. This dissertation serves as an exploratory study which delves into the design and implementation of an art-viewing activity targeted for participants living with early-stage dementia which was organised at MUŻA, the National-Community Art Museum in Valletta, Malta. It focuses on identifying whether this museum and its collections are suitable for such activities and if so, determining which ways can ensure engagement. Furthermore, an analysis of one such activity can also seek to identify how the main psychosocial needs of persons living with dementia can be met during such an activity. A qualitative approach was adopted for this research. It allowed for an in-depth and focused analysis of the activity that was designed for this exploratory study. Further to this, the triangulation method was applied, which included an observation study of the activity targeted for persons living with early-stage dementia and questionnaires answered by the same participants and accompanying informal caregivers and next of kin. Additionally, interviews with professionals both from the health sector and the cultural heritage sector were held which gave insight on their views when it comes to organising activities for this target audience. Emerging findings from this research study show how the in-the-moment person centred activity organised at MUŻA gave space for the participants to connect and engage in a meaningful way with artworks and artefacts which in turn was also a beneficial experience where the participant’s psychological needs are met. To conclude, this exploratory study could serve as a basis for future research related to this topic in connection to the Maltese context. Thus, this would contribute to the overall wellbeing of persons living with dementia while also being part of a wider community. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133264 Title: Methodologies for cultural heritage mapping in historic landscapes : a case study on Malta’s northwestern coastline Abstract: This research addresses the need for effective mapping methods to identify and document both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and their values. The study is applied to a case study area on Malta's northwestern coastline. The approach involves the identification, description and critical assessment, including SWOT analyses, of six established methods. The most suitable methodfor mapping cultural heritage in Malta is subsequently selected. The results are presented in two phases. Phase 1 introduces the selected methods in a final method statement. A combination of methods is employed, including the LandMap cultural landscape layer, LandMap historical layer, Historic Environmental Record, and Cultural Values Model. This combination provides a characterisation of the entire landscape, focusing on history and cultural landscape, with precise mapped data of cultural values and associations held by the general public and historical heritage. The second phase presents the methodology and results of the selected methods. Data is acquired through fieldwork, archival and literature research, and public participation to implement the four layers in the case study area. The GIS Project maps are then presented. The implementation has demonstrated that the combination of LandMap, HER, and CVM offers a holistic approach to mapping cultural heritage and their values in Malta's northwestern coastline. The use of GIS enable layering and working with the layers to gain further insights into the cultural significance and relationships. Some limitations of the layers have been exposed, leading to recommendations for future research, such as enhancing the HER data, addressing challenges with CVM density, and promoting public participation for a more inclusive mapping process. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z