Monumenta et animalia
Curators: Jelena Jovanović (Archaeological Museum, Split), mr. sc. Dalibor Vladović (Museum of Natural History and the Zoo, Split)
Publication design and EGD collaborators: KazinotiKomenda
Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split is the oldest Museum in Croatia. It has a large stock of archaeological objects from prehistoric times, from the period of the Greek colonization of the Adriatic and from the Roman, Early Christian and early Medieval ages. Important are collections of stone epitaphs from Salona (about 6.000 of them), Greek Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass, clay lamps, objects made out of bone and metal, and gems. The Museum has a large collection of Antique and Medieval coins and a large library with 30.000 books on archaeology and history. Stone monuments (sculptures, epitaphs) are exhibited in the lapidarium and the chronological succession of cultures from prehistory to the Early Middle Ages is displayed in the exhibition hall.
'Monumenta et animalia' exhibition displays archaeological heritage and monuments found in Middle Dalmatia with its diverse fauna to the wider public, for the first time in Croatia. On the 125 selected archeological exhibits, curators and associates of the Museum of Natural History and the Zoo identified 68 different animal species. For the purpose of marking selected museum pieces, pictogram system was constructed to be used as one of visual guidelines for all visitors.
Pictogram system
Pictogram system was designed to be a representation of Croatian culture. System is not governed by strict rules but still is identifiable as a set, through uniform treatment of scale, style and subject. It is distinctive and pure in forms that create an idealized animal figures. The purpose of this pictogram system is to mark only 125 pieces in the Museum. They serve as points of reference to associate specific piece to an animal species. Pictograms are accompanied by an explanatory text in croatian and english language.
