Egypt's Past in Present Kirksville

Michelle Martin, Blogger

When I first stepped into the “Vessels of the Past” exhibit in the Ophelia Parish art gallery at Truman, I scanned the shelves and my mind registered that I was looking at a bunch of Egyptian clay that largely looked the same. But upon examining each pot and shard, I glimpsed a spark of rich, ancient culture. Ancient pottery makes you experience the endless continuum of human time. Someone once held this fish-shaped flask, thousands of years ago! This creates a surreal connection to me, a Midwestern college student in 2010.

Now for a few of my favorites. This first piece stole my heart a little when I heard the story behind it. This is a model of a tomb, created for the deceased’s ka, or a part of their soul. The family was probably poor, since they used clay instead of more expensive materials, like wood. Tiny pieces representing bread, meat, and water are scattered across the mini courtyard so the dead will enjoy a comfortable afterlife. I read the exhibit information and apparently the Egyptians valued the afterlife so much that they practically spent their whole lives preparing for it.

I hope no ka was harmed in the excavation of this “Soul House…”

And next, some hieroglyphics. These next two shards are from wine jars found in the tombs of two kings. The symbol on the left is ka, which refers to part of the soul, and which also doubled as the name of a king. The king’s successor, Narmer, had his name inscribed on the second shard within the structure of a palace wall.

Finally, this pot decorated with small lotuses. Art student Leslie Song was meditatively drawing this pot for assignment while I was perusing the glass cases. As probably the largest piece in the exhibit, this pot was an exception compared to others because it was actually decorated, as opposed to other pieces. Indeed, most pots in the exhibit were one color and had very little if any adornments.

Art student sketches Egyptian pottery

Lucky for us, culture cannot completely escape us in Kirksville! If you miss your hometown’s premier art museum, come explore the rich stories behind some ancient communities while the exhibit lasts! Truman will continue borrow “Vessels from the Past” from the Royal Ontario Museum until February 19 in OP 1114, so be sure to step in. Check out the gallery’s website for more information.