The brief entry for this week is
written by Sam Powell, a regular contributor to this blog, including week
2 of this course.
This
week’s class focused on craftsmanship at Amarna. As in previous
weeks, we discussed the artistic style of this unique period. It was really
interesting to hear more about the people creating these beautiful pieces. Dr Ken
explained that we know the names of several Amarna sculptors, such as Bak, Iuty,
and Thutmose (famous for the bust of Nefertiti found in the remains of his
house). We were also shown some of the unique features of the sculpture of
Amarna, such as the composite statues and “plaster casts”, which seem to be
typical of this period. We also looked at how Amarna art is often subject to
forgeries and questionable provenance, since material from the site is highly
sought after—I was particularly interested to learn about the controversy
surround the Mansoor
collection.
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Fig. 1: Amulet in the shape of a bunch of grapes (EC3013)
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Fig. 2: Stone mould from Amarna (W915) |
We
looked at several interesting objects this week, including a small grape amulet
(EC3013), two amulet moulds (W915 and EC659), and an inlay that is likely part
of a Shu feather (EC282). This inlay was discovered at Amarna by the Egypt
Exploration Society during the 1930–31 season, as can be seen from the object
card.
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Fig. 3: Wadjet eye mould (EC659) |
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Fig. 4: Slate inlay (EC282) |
However,
my favourite object was the pottery vessel (W1029). The vessel has been
reconstructed during the 1980s by Cardiff University Conservation Department.
We had in a previous week looked at fragments of this painted ware (W176c-d),
and had also discussed the large vessel currently undergoing treatment at
Cardiff University (W193).
The decoration on these vessels is really lovely, and you can imagine them
being used in festivals and on special occasions. Our class estimated the jar
would probably hold about three litres of beer or wine—enough for a good night
out!
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Fig. 5: Amarna vessel (W1029) |
As
always, the class was highly received by all, and the novelty still hasn’t worn
off that we get to handle real pieces of history—thank you Dr Ken!
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