Like most people of my generation, I was fascinated by Egyptology from being a small child. I have vivid memories of attending an Egyptology exhibition with Mum at an age of less than 5, and the bug bit me.
Mum actually attended the Tutankhamun exhibition first, and raved about it so much that when I had the opportunity to go, I had to take it.
The exhibition website is here - TUTANKHAMUN: TREASURES OF THE GOLDEN PHARAOH » Saatchi Gallery
The exhibition focussed on both the dig that uncovered the tomb and the contents of the tomb. Unless I ever get my act together and actually visit Egypt, this was the last chance I was ever going to have to see several of these items.
Everything was exactly as beautiful as you’d imagine. I think having the objects in front of you makes it easier to imagine the artisans all those years ago making these things, and the talent and skill they had.
I understand why lots of people are squeamish about mummies nowadays, and I understand “leave my bones alone”, but if immortality is having thousands of people pay homage and leave offerings of money at your tomb more than three thousand years after your death, I think Tutankhamun has achieved a kind of immortality very few ever will, and his immortality has pulled those artisans along with him.
(Note, it's very hard to write a blog post about "ancient beautiful objects are expectedly beautiful")
No comments:
Post a Comment