discover the stories of civilization
ancient americas
africa
asia mesopotamia
egypt europe
Since the beginning of time, people around the world have endeavored to express themselves, relate their histories, and understand the mysteries of human experience through their creations. Whenever a culture articulated its ideas and beliefs, expressed itself with beauty and insight, or made simple tools for everyday life, extraordinary objects were created. Each object tells a story of its time. The stories of civilization—stories of love, power, beauty, glory, and faith—are revealed at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, where world cultures are brought to life through exceptional works of art and rare artifacts. The face of a pharaoh speaks of eternal power, an ancient athlete rests in glory, Vishnu dreams the world, a young girl is transformed through the water spirit, and a shaman harnesses the strength of her animal self. Experience the wonder of treasures left by history’s artists, scribes, and storytellers.
“Beauty is its own excuse for being.� ralph waldo emerson
stories of beauty
Note the shallow horizontal grooves in her mantle, from being folded in the linen chest. The ability to replicate so many textures of softness in stone forever captures a woman in the springtime of her youth and beauty. Muse Greek Late 4th to mid 2nd centuries
bc
“Life” and “Mirror”—the Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol of the ankh signifies both. In the shape of that symbol, a young girl with her hands outstretched grabs a growing papyrus topped by a disk of polished bronze, the rising sun signifying the renewal of life. To gaze into beauty as reflection, or place in a tomb as offering, both suggest the promise of eternal youth. Mirror Egypt ca. 1550–1292
bc
When initiated into the Sande society sisterhood, Sierra Leonean girls were taught the principles of feminine moral beauty by a water spirit personified by this mask. Broad forehead—strength and composure. Small facial features—modesty and humility. The elaborate coiffure— discipline and beauty. Sowo Initiation Helmet Mask Sierra Leone ca. 1900
Almond-eyed and subtly smiling, this head of an 18th-dynasty pharaoh, resplendent in its nemes headcloth, may have stood before a yet larger image, a sphinx or the state god Amun. Royal Portrait Egypt ca. 1320–1292
bc
Palm wine or kola nuts once filled this bowl held by a Cameroonian chisendo, or king’s attendant. Carved and used during the reign of Foyn Yu (1876– 1912), the figure is clad in iridescent imported Viennese glass beads, the deep blue color of royalty, exclusive to the king.
Tiberius Imperator, Rome’s second emperor, commander in chief and veteran general, chief priest, the world’s most powerful man. But increasingly bitter, mistrustful as kangaroo courts sentence one person to death after another on trumped up charges of treason—including Jesus. Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus Roman ca. 14 ad
Beaded Bowl Figure Cameroon ca. 1900
“If you wish to test a man’s character, give him power.” a b r a h a m l i n c o l n
stories of power Found in an important person’s grave in ancient Costa Rica, this figure speaks of the shaman’s power, embodying both female and male qualities. With the hooves of a deer, she harnesses the power of her animal self, transforming during visions. Meditating, she sits in the “lotus” position. Female Shaman Figure Costa Rica 500 bc–300 ad
The Cosmic Ocean teems with life and serves as a resting place for Vishnu, preserver of the universe. As he sleeps, he dreams the world. The Indian goddess Lakshmi presses his feet, a sign of her devotion. Together they promise prosperity in worlds to come. Vishnu Sleeping on the Cosmic Ocean India 11th century ad
Born from the foam of the sea on Cyprus, the goddess of love is attended by her son Eros playfully riding a dolphin. While undressed she has been caught off her guard and protects her modesty. Venus (Aphrodite) Roman 1st century ad
“Many waters cannot quench love, nor floods drown it.” s o n g o f s o l o m o n , 8 : 7
stories of love
Placed together deep in a West Mexican shaft tomb 2000 years ago, these two figures lean towards each other with affectionate interconnectedness. The love the living maintained for the dead shows in the care taken to sculpt and paint such effigies, companions in the afterlife journey. Seated Figures Mexico ca. 300 bc–200
ad
Victorious in the Greek games, as shown by the ribbon in his hair and the strigil for scraping himself clean after exercise, Glaukotas did not live to see old age. His mother, as an inscription tells us, set up this gravestone “as a memorial for him in his youth.” Stele of Glaukotas Greek ca. 470–460 bc
Popular Hindu hero figure Hanuman triumphantly tramples the demon-god Lanka as he rescues and protects Vishnu and Sita. Yet, in West Africa, where this sculpture was carved and used, Hanuman images represent an African god, mighty deity of war, iron, and technology. Figure Group Nigeria 20th century
“Climbing a difficult road, the glory gives me strength.”
stories of glory
sextus propertius
Arresting in the twist of his head and upward gazing eyes, a study of dynamism. Alexander the Great abandoned studies with Aristotle to conquer the known world. Dead before his 33rd birthday, he left an indelible mark from Greece to India. His legacy continues to this day. Alexander the Great Roman ca. 100–200 ad
The Great One of the Sakya clan, seated on a throne of lotus petals at the moment of his awakening. His left hand in a posture of meditation; his right touches the earth lightly, asking it to witness his enlightenment. Energetic and peaceful, weightless yet grounded. To the faithful, a path to enlightenment and the promise of their own potential. Shakyamuni Buddha Tibet ca. 13th–14th centuries
ad
Light and darkness shape this paradoxical encounter. Head bowed, hands bound, Christ stands in shadow and declares that he will rule in heaven. Caiaphas, enthroned and brightly lit, condemns him to death for blasphemy. Faith leads one beyond the priest and through the shadows to find the Savior. Christ before Caiaphas by Albrecht DĂźrer German 1512
stories of
faith
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” r a b i n d r a n a t h
tagore
Ancient Egyptians envisioned a Hall of Judgment. The dead, ushered in by the jackal-headed Anubis, greeted the gods. The deceased’s heart was placed on one scale; on the other, a feather of a goddess, a symbol of truth. It was believed that a balanced scale meant the absence of sin in the heart. Thoth, god of scribes, recorded the happy verdict, and Ammit, devourer of souls, would be deprived of another victim. Coffin of Tanakhtnettahat Detail Egypt ca. 1075–945 bc
Ethiopians, Africa’s earliest Christians, carry processional crosses on holy days. A Madonna and Child tops this one. To the side, her protector, Saint George, kills the dragon. On the reverse, a prostrate worshipper lies before the crucified Jesus. Penance paid by the faithful. Processional Cross Ethiopia Late 18th century ad
become part of the story Visit the Southeast’s most distinguished collection of art and artifacts.
Experience an unforgettable journey back in time to a world ruled by pharaohs, emperors, and kings at Georgia’s premier museum devoted to the art and history of world cultures. Discover even more through gallery talks, children’s programs, interactive technology, audio tours, family guides, special exhibitions, films, and much more. Spend the day a world away. The Museum’s elegant café offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, and desserts, and an award-winning bookshop features unique gifts, jewelry, books, and children’s items. The Michael C. Carlos Museum—located at the heart of Emory University’s beautiful campus and just around the corner from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the Carter Presidential Library — is the gateway to the stories of civilization.
The Carlos Museum is located just minutes from Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown hotels.
visitor information The Michael C. Carlos Museum is located in the center of the main Emory University campus, east of Midtown Atlanta. From the entrance on North Decatur Road, take the second right on S. Kilgo Circle. The Carlos Museum is on your left. Continue over the bridge to access visitor parking. Join Us Call 404-727-2623; email carlosmembership@emory.edu; visit carlos.emory.edu/join Hours Tuesday through Saturday: 10 am–4 pm; Sunday: Noon–4 pm; Closed Mondays and University holidays. Caffè Antico Monday–Saturday: 11 am–3 pm. Admission Adults: $8. Emory students, faculty, and staff: Free. Students, seniors, and children ages 6–17: $6 (Children ages 5 and under free). Visit Web site for information about upcoming free days. Public Transportation marta bus line 6 Emory from Inman Park/ Reynoldstown and Lindbergh stations or 36 North Decatur from Avondale and Arts Center stations. Handicapped Parking Drop off and handicapped parking spaces at Plaza level entrance on South Kilgo Circle. Parking Paid visitor parking in the Oxford Road Parking Deck and visitor sections of the Fishburne Parking Deck. Alternate parking in Peavine Parking Deck. Handicap-accessible Shuttle D runs from Peavine Deck to the Museum weekdays every 10 minutes. The Shuttle D stop at the Museum, Oxford Road Deck, and Fishburne Deck are walking distance from the Museum. Parking is free on weekends and after 5 pm. Tours Advanced booking required for weekday or weekend groups of ten or more. For reservations call 404-727-0519. Public Tours Depart from the rotunda on Sundays at 2:30 pm, September through June. Audio Tour of Permanent Collection $2. Free for Museum members. Museum Information 404-727-4282. World Wide Web Access carlos.emory.edu
Credits (Cover) Coffin: Charlotte Lichirie Collection of Egyptian Art; photo, Peter Harholdt. (P2) Muse: Carlos Collection of Ancient Art; photo, Bruce M. White. (P3) Mirror: Gift of the Morgens West Foundation; photo, Bruce M. White. Sowo Mask: Ex coll. William S. Arnett; photo, Bruce M. White. (P4) Royal Portrait: Egyptian Purchase Fund; photo, Bruce M. White. (P5) Bowl Figure: Gift of William S. Arnett; photo, Bruce M. White. Tiberius: Carlos Collection of Ancient Art; photo, Bruce M. White. Shaman Figure: Ex coll. William C. and Carol W. Thibadeau; photo, Bruce M. White. (P6) Vishnu: The Ester R. Portnow Collection of Asian Art, a Gift of the Nathan Rubin-Ida Ladd Family Foundation; photo, Bruce M. White. (P7) Venus: Carlos Collection of Ancient Art; photo, Bruce M. White. Seated Figures: Gift of William C. and Carol W. Thibadeau; photo, Michael McKelvey. (P8) Stele: Carlos Collection of Ancient Art; photo, Bruce M. White. (P9) Figure Group: Gift of William S. Arnett; photo, Michael McKelvey. Alexander: Carlos Collection of Ancient Art; photo, Bruce M. White; (P10) Buddha: The Ester R. Portnow Collection of Asian Art, a Gift of the Nathan Rubin-Ida Ladd Family Foundation; photo, Bruce M. White. (P11) Christ: Museum purchase; photo, Bruce M. White; Coffin: Charlotte Lichirie Collection of Egyptian Art; photo, Peter Harholdt. Cross: Museum Purchase.
Michael C. Carlos Museum Emory University 571 South Kilgo Circle Atlanta, GA 30322 carlos.emory.edu
Resplendent with magical symbols and scenes from the Book of the Dead, this coffin was made for the Lady Tanakhtnettahat, singer in the Karnak temple of the god Amun. Coffin of Tanakhtnettahat Egypt ca. 1075–945 bc