Death, Protection and Power at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Didn't actually make it through my incredibly long-winded, art history filled longer tour from the UMFA.? I cut down the essay to 300 words. An incredible feat for the girl whose last real writing project was a 27 page thesis on the similarities between Medieval European and Japanese Feudal art. This time I bring you a much condensed version of the tour of Death. Yes, I'm not only old, I'm also morbid. Come see the tour, or any other great Highlights of the Collection tours in person! Tour Times

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah is one of the best places to explore cultures from around the world. Objects on display at the museum focusing on death, protection and power from Egyptian, African and Mayan cultures allow the mind to learn and expand -- all without leaving the Salt Lake Valley.

The "killer" tour starts at a 26th dynasty sarcophagus from Egypt. Decorating the wooden sarcophagus are scenes from the Book of the Dead that offered protection and guidance for journeying into the underworld. A proper burial was needed so the ka or spirit could find the body in the afterlife and included a sarcophagus like this one.

In the Congo, deceased ancestors offered protection after death. This small, smoothly carved Boyo statue is of an important chief and served a dual purpose. Honoring the deceased through these statues meant the Boyo would be protected from harm. These statues also established legitimacy as living rulers traced their heritage back to strong ancestors.

The last stop is a large funerary urn depicting the Hero Twins of Mayan culture in Guatemala and dates from 100 B.C.-900 A.D. Seeking revenge after relatives were murdered by underworld deities, the Twins turned into catfish, tricked the deities and became rulers. These vessels held the decapitated rulers’ heads and because Mayans believed their kings were descendants of the Twins, these vessels protected the kings’ power and memory.

After circling the globe, the exploration of death, protection and power comes to an end. Though the cultures are varied, protecting the memory and power of the deceased was a common goal. Come learn about and explore these, and other great pieces, at the UMFA located at the University of Utah at 410 Campus Center Drive in Salt Lake City.