Shabtis

I walked through the Egyptology section of the Manchester Museum today and there is an exhibition called ‘Shabtis: Suspended Truth’.

Shabti figures are placed in the tomb of the deceased and are servants to carry out tasks in the afterlife. Most carry picks or hoes for field work but also baskets, water pots and brick moulds.  One overseer has a whip to keep the other shabtis in line. When called upon, the shabti was to reply “here I am”! 

The Egyptology section holds really fond memories for me as I used to work with Prof Rosalie David who was the former Keeper of Egyptology at the Museum.  She ran the Biological and Forensic Studies in Egyptology MSc course, and I was the secretary in charge of all the student administration. She was the first woman professor in Egyptology in Britain and the first to receive an OBE in recognition of her services in Egyptology.  

‘Shabtis: Suspended Truth’ is by Syrian-born artist Zahed Taj-Eddin and responds to the current political debate on the subject of migration.

The internet describes the installation:
“His ‘Nu’ Shabti figures are placed in new and unexpected contexts, many suspended as if floating in the main Ancient Worlds gallery space. The focus of the installation is to reflect the experience of migrants on a boat travelling across the Mediterranean towards a new existence.

Zahed said: “I suspended my 'Nu' Shabtis in the Museum galleries. They are taking a new journey into time and space; suspended between the past and the present, searching for a new truth, different from the one they were made for. The display invites visitors to think about ancient and modern human issues such as the beliefs and actions that lead us to venture into the unknown and explore a better life beyond.”

The Shabtis were placed all around the gallery, but on top of all the display cases. Some were wearing lifejackets, sunglasses or scarves; others were carrying briefcases, surfboards or a set of dumbbells.  It was another one of those occasions where, if you don't look up, you’ll have missed it all - as my extra shows!

My blip was from the visitor board just outside the gallery where people could write a review about the museum and some were pretty honest … I want a poisonous frog … I was that bored I feel asleep … the museum was ok. I loved that someone was trying to put across a heartfelt message whereas someone else just wanted food, and if that is exactly how they felt and what they wanted to say at that time, good for them!

Quote for today:
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr Seuss