The dismembered arm of Amenhotep III, who ruled ruled Egypt 1390 1352 B.C., seen as you enter the British Museum. Day 3 I woke up this morning (Does noon count as morning?) and decided to go to the British Museum. It’s in a different part of the city, so I am excited to not only see the arts but another side of London. Every time I walk up the stairs to the tube, I feel like Alice through the looking glass: what new world awaits; where’s the Mad Hatter and the Cheshier Cat? lol. There’s something to the idea of not knowing what’s on the other side. It’s an excitement that the regular routine cannot match. Anyway, once I get there I’m pretty excited and do not know what I will see and experience. When I walked in, the museum was big and impressive. And I was curious. My mood changed though when at the entrance I was greeted by Egyptian artifacts. To most in this would, this is not be a big deal, but I have traveled to Egypt twice and have seen artifacts not in museums but in the original temples, burials, tombs etc. I know many Egyptians hated that Europeans took many of their sacred treasures while desecrating holy ground. Cultural appropriation and exploitation ran across my mind. I see the head and arm of Imhotep III. I have seen his body in Karnak. I think, "It doesn't belong here". I see people fist bumping his outstretched fist which is positioned in a weird way as you enter the museum (see above picture). Instead of being by the side of the head, its laid in a position that further symbolizes the fragmentation the Egyptian culture feels after European colonization. I see person after person fist bump the amputated arm and I think, “Its a "fist bump of privilege!" I began to look at the museum very differently. All these amazing pieces of art seem to scream at me to take them home. They belong in the land with their people. The British Museum has little British art in comparison. It’s mostly from other cultures from people of different beliefs. I began to think, "How can privileged people learn anything?" "Who benefits from museums like this?" One that houses a collection built not from friendship but dominance. Not from understanding but from spectacle. I walked through the museum and the exhibits were amazing, but they felt out of place. I walked into the India exhibit and got an eerie feeling. Like an unrested spirit was saying, “you better get out here.” Which I did immediately lol. I asked various people if they ever felt that feeling in the museum. All said “no.” I then thought about the story of the tomb of King Tut. (Here's a link) Where everyone that disturbed the tomb which was supposed to be cursed, died mysteriously within 5 months. Or the movie poltergeist. There’s so much capitalism associated with artifacts. Rubber ducks in Pharaoh head dress, Ahura Mazda on bags, mini Nefertiti heads. I'm not buying replica Egyptian artifacts in Britain! I will in Egypt . Or replica Assyrian soldiers outside the area outside of the Iran or Iraq. I don’t care if they are made by the same company lol. Its principle. It reminded me of George Ritzer's idea that consumption is the new religion and these cathedrals of consumption (like this) are built on replicating the enchantment of established institutions like churches. Malls, cruise ships, amazement parks and definitely grand museums all use familiar enchantment sell grandiose ideas. I think of the functionalist idea of poverty, One of the functions of the poor is remind the privilege how good they got it. I felt like all grand museums that house stolen appropriated artifacts do is reaffirm the people of the privileged nation. It does not make them more aware of their history or get a better understanding of different culture. The art in this context furthers ethnocentrism and reinforces dominant positions. Random comments from the day: When I am in the store, I get treated like a 6 year old because I am not familiar with currency and they often point and grab the amount needed to pay. lol People in Baltimore would love these small streets. They are jaywalkable lol.
9 Comments
lydia T.
5/19/2016 08:19:52 pm
Love your blog. Keep on posting.
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Myron
5/19/2016 10:41:52 pm
Thanks so much
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Myron Strong
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