The one up top, for example, shows an atypical posture for the god. Instead of weighing hearts or presiding over a ceremony, Anubis seems to be throttling a snake, likely a representation of the evil monster Apophis. In his front hand he seems to be holding up a lotus flower cup, a symbol of renewal.Anubis is everywhere in the Egyptian galleries, from Old Kingdom coffins to Ptolemaic/Greek era mummy covers (right).
The kids particularly relished my detailed, gross talk on the actual process of mummification. After that, we moved onto the workshop part of the program--making masks!
Artist Pam Beagle Daresta
helped the kids create their three-dimensional black and gold beauties. While the kids were cutting the fancy black and gold paper, I reminded them that many of the rituals of mummification were performed by priests wearing similar masks. This made some of them cut even faster!
The project required a lot of concentration and attention to details but the kids were up for the challenge.
After-ward, a number of the kids asked me to sign their copies of Anubis Speaks! The bloody paw-print stamp, I've been told, was a favorite part of my "autograph." I was determined to make my own mask but didn't get to because I was assisting Pam and museum education manager, Nina West. I'm not a visual artist, so my "help" ended up being more of the "fetching glue and patterns" variety. I took all the raw supplies home, though, determined to make my
I can't wait to make scary god-dog noises through the 3-D snout!
Teachers, making Anubis masks is a fun activity. So is stuffing little felt hearts and weighing them against the feather of truth (which I conveniently bring with me!).
Invite me to your schools/classrooms so we can enjoy the wonderful-strangeness of Ancient Egypt together!
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2 comments:
SO awesome!!! I want to be in your class!!! :) e
Thanks, e! It was a lot of fun.
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