January 8, 2013
(Romereports.com) When people think about the Vatican Museums, most immediately think of the Sistine Chapel
and the priceless work of Michelangelo. But what's often overlooked are a series of other wonders. Among them is the Missionary-Ethnological Museum, which has about 80,000 artifacts
from ancient civilizations, from the Americas, Asia and Africa. In fact
it was Pius XI who pushed for its creation back in 1926.
FR. NICOLA MAPELLI Director, Missionary-Ethnological Museum (Vatican)
“For
us it is important that these artifacts become cultural ambassadors.
That we make them speak to us and retell the stories of their
civilizations.”
Among the artifacts on display are these handcrafted aboriginal poles from the 1920's. They are known as “Pukumani”
and are used to guide souls on their way to paradise. The exhibit also
features antique boomerangs, warrior statues from Mississippi tribes,
and even these masks which belonged to Alacaluf tribes from southern
Chile.
But without a doubt, one of the crown jewels of the exhibit, is a figure representing an ancient goddess from Mexico's pre-Hispanic era.
FR. NICOLA MAPELLI
Director, Missionary-Ethnological Museum (Vatican)
“We've
placed in the center of the exhibition the Quetzalcoatl statue. This
Aztec deity is very important. We've worked with academics, architects
and Mexican experts to give it the value it deserves.”
To give its collection more notoriety,
the Museum launched a catalog to point out not just its exhibits, but
also the historical context the displays reflect.
KATHERINE AIGNER
Co-author, Ethnos: Le colezzioni etnologiche dei Musei Vaticani
“Not
many people know about the Ethnological Museum at the Vatican City, so
now hopefully a lot of people will come and it's an opportunity to learn
about the cultures around the world because the collection here is very
rich and it's a wonderful way to introduce the collection with the
catalog.”
The Museum directors say that
the biggest challenge they have had is tracking down who donated each
item. The say their hard work will help give these ancient civilizations
a voice and a place in history, which will never to be forgotten.
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