Anthropology Museum to Host ‘Afternoon Tea’

The focus of the 3-5 p.m. museum event is tea, but guests can also sample Egyptian coffee or Mexican chocolate drinks in this exploration of the tastes, ceremonies and histories of drinks from around the world.

The museum invites visitors to learn about the origins of the “high tea,” a long-standing British tradition. Myrna Mackin, administrative assistant at the museum, will serve tea, clotted cream, scones and tea sandwiches.

Penny Griffin, Salem College assistant professor of art history, will demonstrate the ritual and explain the meanings of a Japanese tea ceremony. She will also describe three different tea schools, including the Urasanke Tea School of Kyoto.

Mike Gendy — a native of Cairo, Egypt — and his wife, Marie, will prepare Egyptian coffee in the traditional Middle Eastern way using a coffee urn called a “kanaka.”

Museum volunteers will also prepare a chocolate drink the way it was enjoyed by Aztec Emperor Montezuma on the eve of European colonization. Chocolate was highly valued in pre-Hispanic Mexico. The Mayans called it “theobroma,” which literally translates as “food of the gods.”

A special children’s tea table will be set up for younger participants.

Tickets are available in advance for $5 or at the door for $6. To purchase a ticket or to learn more about the event, call the museum at 336-758-5282.