On September 12, 2001, I struggled to concentrate on my job at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
The events of the day before made daily tasks seem void of meaning, and I couldn’t sit still. Since the museum wasn’t open yet, I took a walk through the galleries where I could cry alone. I knew the objects well, but they looked different and the space between them felt deeply lonely.
Eventually, I stood before a small, gold Indonesian crown shaped like a lotus pond containing symbolic sea creatures. Thin, delicate wires extend from the base with paper-thin circular spangles hanging from the top. They shimmered in the light even though they didn’t move. It dated to the 12th century.
The age of this object struck me. I thought about all of the historic moments this crown had witnessed: political upheaval, technological changes, artistic achievements, war and illness. Its long life and journey to this case in Boston, Massachusetts suggested hope to me. Time did not destroy it. Rather, its story was layered, meaningful and lasting. It gave me my first moment of comfort in a new age of American history.
We are all seeking comfort now, so once again I look to a museum collection for help. As a PEM staff member working in Collections Management for eight years, I have a rich memory bank of objects to consider. Many, many pieces in our collection are imbued with meaning, but this very rare 17th-century Mexican fan is especially important to me.
Fan, 17th century Mexico, Spanish Colonial era. Feather mosaic, turtle shell, paper and gilding. Gift of Mrs. Albert J. Beveridge, 1947.
Fan, 17th century Mexico, Spanish Colonial era. Feather mosaic, turtle shell, paper and gilding. Gift of Mrs. Albert J. Beveridge, 1947.
A folding fan comprised of pierced hawksbill tortoise shell, painted paper and feathers, it was created during the first century of the Spanish Colonial Era. The reverse depicts flowers and warriors in armor and the verso richly illustrates colorful flowers and birds.
While the design suggests a European influence, the technique is in the traditional mosaic feather art of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Brilliantly colored feathers from parrots, herons, hummingbirds, macaws and roseate spoonbills were applied by feather artists or amanteca. Hundreds of pieces of feathers were layered onto the dark amate (bark) paper using a clear gum made from orchids resulting in a depth of color that is iridescent and jewel-toned.
Apart from its beauty, what is really striking is that the creators were going through a tremendous amount of change. Their own culture was subsumed by a foreign one with a different religion, language and way of life. Yet, they continued to practice a creative technique that was part of their history. Their adaptability is evident in the subject matter and the intended audience. It seems likely that the fan was created for a foreign market that would see the familiarity in the design and delight in the exotic nature of its place of origin.
Unlike the gold crown, this fan is highly susceptible to deterioration. Patches of feathers have been worn away on both sides, and it has to be stored in an open fashion to prevent further damage. Appropriately caring for objects like this is exactly what we do at PEM’s Collection Center. We are stewards of incredible examples of the human ability to create, communicate and survive.
The author operates a forklift in heels. Courtesy image.
Since March 16, the staff at PEM have been working from home. It is difficult to be physically separated from our objects and colleagues. The spark that comes from collaboration is essential to our work, but we continue our initiatives through video, phone calls and a fierce dedication to concentration on important projects. It is amazing what can be accomplished through online work. Even the renewal of my required forklift license has been completed online. While the piece featured in this blog is small, the objects in our collection range in size and weight, some of which require machinery to handle.
The author operates a forklift in heels. Courtesy image.
Museums across the world are trying to make sense of this situation. In addition to the collection, I look back to PEM’s roots for a grounding moment of strength, originality and steadfastness. Our founders were creative visionaries who knew the feeling of uncertainty. The objects they have left in our care continue to inspire because we also carry the ability to adapt and offer our resources to the local community and the world. I invite you to look at our collection and consider the objects that speak loudly to you during this rare moment of quiet. My hope is that you find inspiration, meaning and comfort.
The PEM staff wishes everyone health, safety and calm during the COVID-19 shutdown. Museums provide light and inspiration during challenging times. We will be creative in maintaining PEM’s relationship with you in this time of crisis. We look forward to welcoming you back to the museum when the public health crisis has subsided. For more information and updates, please visit pem.org and keep in touch through our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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