Amphorae (not so) Anonymous
Amphorae showcase the ancient world's art, culture, and history. These double-handled ceramic jars were both functional and artistic, featuring designs that show society's beliefs and trade. The black-figure and red-figure styles illustrated myths, while writings on them indicate trade routes, giving us a view of ancient economies and social systems. Their presence in different cultures emphasizes both connections and differences among them.
Scrimshaw and Its 'Predecessors'
The Eyes on the Waves
Ghosts in Ancient Buddhist Asia
Ancient Ghosts of the Fertile Crescent
What is the oldest ghost story you've ever heard of, not the first one you've ever heard, but the most ancient?
Ghost stories always seem to follow the same needs: peaceful death and a proper burial.
Take Me to Snurch: Bringers of Divine Serpent Wisdom and Inspiration
Flying snake gods in ancient stories symbolize both creation and destruction. Notable figures like Quetzalcoatl from Mesoamerica and Wadjet from Egypt represent wisdom and power, connecting earth and sky. Their legends emphasize humanity's bond with nature and the universe. Through art and folklore, these deities enhance our knowledge of ancient cultures and their relevance today.
The Bust of the Beautiful Woman
The Roots of the Laurel Crown
Are we trying too hard to celebrate victory in wholesome terms? Do we overlook the shadows cast by our cherished symbols? The story of the laurel crown challenges us to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the art we embrace.
Senet: The Game of Passing
The Ballgame
Death of Coyolxāuhqui
The mixed-up and conflicting stories about a Nahua (Aztec) goddess of the moon, Coyolxauhqui. Explore the symbols used in the monolith and the resonance with the enduring cultural reasoning of a nickname for her.
The Resurrection of Pakal
How would you want to be remembered? One of Palenque’s great kings chose to be immortalized as a young god being reborn into the afterlife. What does it all mean? Let’s examine the history behind Pakal’s coffin lid.