Of Objects and People

The seal amulets showcased in this exhibition are being presented to the public for the first time through a collaborative effort between MUZA and the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures at Tel Aviv University. From the Ceramic Pavilion’s vast collection of 300 seals, approximately 20 have been chosen for this unique display, representing various styles and historical contexts.

Graduate students have undertaken the challenge of analyzing each seal, focusing on various aspects, including the iconography, materials, and crafting techniques used to create these artifacts. Their cataloging process involves documenting the unique characteristics of each seal, such as patterns, inscriptions, and symbolic elements, which provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of these ancient objects. This examination highlights the artistry involved in seal-making and enhances our understanding of the societies that produced them.

Ancient collections have made their way into museum storage facilities and exhibitions across the globe through various channels, such as donations, purchases, and gifts from collectors. Often steeped in history and cultural significance, these items frequently come with limited documentation outlining their provenance. As a result, tracing the intricate journey of an object from its original archaeological dig site to eventual acquisition by private collectors becomes a complex task.

In many instances, critical information about the context in which these artifacts were found is either lost or yet to be discovered. This lack of documentation can hinder museum curators in accurately interpreting and presenting these ancient items. Curators often work with artifacts that lack essential backgrounds, narratives, or cultural connections. Consequently, this absence of context can lead to challenges in conveying the full historical and cultural significance of the items.

The project "Of Objects and People – Seals from the MUZA Collection" has two main goals. First, it aims to display artifacts from our collection that have never been shown to the public. Second, it seeks to uncover the stories behind each item so they can be shared in their archaeological context. To accomplish this, we worked with archaeology students, who used research methods to gather accurate information about the items. Their efforts help us present these artifacts to the public, giving them “new life.”