Published in 2014, this is a partnership between the ROM and the Walrus Foundation and is a collection of 21 artifacts and the responses of Canadian writers, film makers, illustrators, scientists, photographers and curators. When else have you had the chance to hear from curators and from Janet Carding, director and CEO of the ROM? She, as well as all of the other contributors, encourages our interpretations and responses: "Every individual who encounters an object brings something to it..." It is all part of the ongoing, action filled story of the ROM.
In keeping with my passion for drama, costume and clothing, I am sharing my responses to two artifacts: an IKEM Headdress and a Sixth-Century Tunic. I love the Headdress because both the hair and the head and face are regal, in fact, heart stopping. The sculptured curls, piled high, remind me of my own teen ' up dos' controlled with cans of hair spray and calling out, "Take this oh mediocre adult world". The real story is by Silvia Forni, Curator of Anthropology, who tells us that this headdress is also of a young woman, likely a teenager, who is being presented as marriageable to her community. Hair and style, in all cultures, throughout history, always a rite and a door to somewhere. The Ikem Headdress, made of wood, antelope skin, bone and metal, could be worn by men or women for dance performances. With fabulous photography by Beau Gomez and poetry by Uzoma Esonwanne, further responses: "...her elongated neck soars--soars into her head palm crest, exfoliates two whorls of thick. black braids backing each other, ride the wind over her head..." Once again, what we wore to dances and how we danced, always important rituals. Love the challenge of learning about the past, finding links from our own experiences and then taking it further in the best way we can.
In its glory, the ROM and its celebration: EVERY OBJECT HAS A STORY: Extraordinary Canadians Celebrate The Royal Ontario Museum.
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