Anthropoid Sarcophagus of Shesep-Amun-Tayes-Herit.
In the Tampa Art Museum, there were numerous pieces of art displayed for us to see. However, I was more attracted to the Anthropoid Sarcophagus of Shesep-Amun-Tayes-Herit, which is one of the oldest pieces displayed. The art is created as early as 1000-300 B.C by an artist who has remained anonymous till date (Tampa Museum of Arts). Its discipline classification in the humanities is visual art as it draws the attention of the viewers through its unique carvings, image and colour.
The art does not have a definite genre, period or style that has been used as it involves the use of mixed media to express the feelings and ideas of the creator. The work is constructed from several materials such as wood, fabric, gesso and pigment. In size, the artwork relatively measures about 4 feet-5 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide (Tampa Museum of Arts). It is important to note that this sarcophagus is created so that a human being could fit inside. Therefore, the size could be described as being unbelievably small. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Moreover, the sarcophagus is of the Egyptian culture origin, and it dates back to the cultural practices of 1000 B.C (Tampa Museum of Arts). The anthropoid sarcophagus is made up of a lid made from stone and a chest. On the lid, there is a broad face with a wig on its head, and the ears are exposed. The wig, together with a back pillar, is curved on the back of the chest. On the face, we can see the eyes which are curved with extended eye lines and appear to have no pupil, thus making them look large. A simple line is cut out not as a decoration but to show the collar. Other features of the general body can be seen faintly. The other parts of the Sarcophagus are not decorated apart from the face. Moreover, it is essential to note that the finishing of the outside surface is well polished, unlike the inside.
Noteworthy Features of the Art Event
The Sarcophagus is a simple piece of art but has unique features that draw the attention of the viewer towards it (Tampa Museum of Arts). First, the Eyes of the image were drawn to be so wide with the eye lines extended to each side. They made the image look as though it was giving a wide gaze. This feature about this art is noteworthy as it expresses courage. The fact that the owner of the sarcophagus was a respected member in the society meant a lot, and thus, her status needed to be represented through the image.
Additionally, the wig on the head of the image was strategically drawn, and the ears of the image left out, thus being very visible. This is one of the most critical elements in this art as it depicts the Egyptian culture, where slaves were not allowed to have their hair shaven. They were expected to wear wigs on their heads, whether real or not. In the 4th and 5th dynasty, the wearing of wigs was closely associated with the Egyptians, and this has been carried forward over the years. Therefore, this is a noteworthy element to include in this piece of art.
The other feature that seems very important is the painting of the different images drawn on the surface of the Sarcophagus, especially towards the bottom. These images represent various features, and they try to tell a story. They are important or rather noteworthy as they give an idea of the aspect of mummification, a process which involves the use of the sarcophagus.
The first glance at this majestic piece of art left me in awe. I couldn’t tell if it was the eyes or the size or the general decoration on the sarcophagus that caught my attention, but something did (Tampa Museum of Arts). The design and craftsmanship of this piece of art leave one wondering about the mindset of the artist. It begs the question on the message that the artist was trying to pass across. Moreover, the culture in question being Egyptian has had so many myths surrounding that point in time. However, this artist, through this artwork, opens a window and transports back to that time. Through the art, the artist gives us not only a view of the sophistication which existed in the culture but also nudged at our curiosity to study more on the Egyptian culture and time as a whole. I believe that the intention of the artist was not only to impress with the artwork but to present a sense of prestige and command of confidence in the work and message intended to go along with it.
The main reason why I believe my reaction and interpretation of the art piece was one of the main goals of the artist is because of the factor that I had alluded to. Examination of the noteworthy aspects brought to light a system of culture, assimilation of culture, artistic prowess and poetic delivery of a message on bravery and confidence in women. The wide eyes with an elongated eye line as a sign of courage. The wig that takes us back to Egyptian history on slavery, and the adoption of the wig by the Egyptians into their royal dressing code and finally to the comer also depict apparent aspects of cultural assimilation.
A sarcophagus in simple terms is basically and Egyptian design of their coffins. The amount of inscription, decoration and content of the sarcophagus depended solely on the class of the person being buried. This art piece is from the early Ptolemaic period. Unlike other sarcophagi, the Anthropoid Sarcophagus of Shesep-Amun-tayes-herit is made of wood, fabric and pigment. In addition to that, just like other sarcophagi, it’s equally as decorated as befits a high ranking member of the society. On the matter of the contents, it had not only the famous Egyptian book of the dead but also pieces of beads and fabric believed to mummy wrapping of the deceased. The decorations also highlight in detailed hieroglyphic the name of both the mother and father of the dead.
In unrelated online research while still at the museum allowed me to notice that the content of this particular sarcophagus was incomplete (Parcak 3). It was missing samples of household good, four jars that contained the organs of the deceased, Egyptian amulets, carvings of the Egyptian gods, and the ushabti figurines, among others. One could easily argue, however, that all these items were included at the time of burial celebrations. Still, over time due to weathering, breakages and general corrosion, some of the items were just ground to dust or even looted over the years (Parcak 3). Despite the minor setback, I can confidently say my visit to Tampa Museum of Art was a once in a lifetime experience that was inspiring, mind-blowing and educative too.
Works Cited
Parcak, Sarah. “Moving from Space-Based to Ground-Based Solutions in Remote Sensing for Archaeological Heritage: A Case Study from Egypt.” Remote Sensing 9.12 (2017): 1297.
Tampa Museum of Arts. Florida FL Tampa Waterfront Arts District Tampa Museum Of Art Inside Artwork Anthropoid Sarcophagus Of Shesep-Amun-Tayes-Herit Coffin Egyptian. 2016, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-florida-fl-tampa-waterfront-arts-district-tampa-museum-of-art-inside-100213294. Accessed 24 Nov 2019.