Archeology in Transit

The paper outlines the research methodology and initial results of the exhibition “Arqueología en Tránsito” opened in Tijuana (Mexico) and San Diego (USA) during two Design Weeks (Tijuana on May 4-5, 2024 and San Diego on September 19-25, respectively). The project employed a collaborative design research strategy involving researchers from Tecnológico de Monterrey across various Mexican territories, from Chiapas to Chihuahua, to collect and analyze artifacts reflecting migrant experience. “Archaeology is the only way to access the present,” philosopher Giorgio Agamben writes at the beginning of his essay “Creazione e anarchia” (Agamben, 2017). Grounded in these premises, the research and the exhibition emphasized the analytical exploration of the relationship between individuals and artifacts as an essential framework for examining the complexities of contemporary migration. The methodology was centered around generative and co-creative workshops, where participants selected and scrutinized artifacts based on designated criteria. The selected artifacts, which included everyday items such as modified plastic bottles alongside more symbolic objects, transformed from mere silent witnesses into central figures in a narrative that vividly portrays the profound human stories intertwined with issues of migration and borders. The exhibition served as a reflective platform to consider the dynamics of current global borders, highlighting the paradox whereby the construction of more barriers coincides with increased migrations and conflicts. It invited attendees to delve deeper into understanding the objects silently accompanying migrants on their journeys. In addition, this project suggests that the archaeological study of objects can enhance the design process by offering insights into the potential impacts of functional objects. Through “Arqueología en Tránsito,” the project provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between human lives and the objects that are both part of and witness to these life-changing experiences, enriching the dialogue on migration, cultural heritage, and human resilience. Furthermore, the exhibition underscored the transformative power of design and research in fostering greater empathy and awareness about global societal challenges.