Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection [Skull Table]

Richard Harris in front of skull table..

The Skull Table is crowded with real skulls and interpretation of skulls by artists. preserved from ancient to modern times. Some have educational functions, while others are ritual objects or works of art. All of them remind the viewer of what potent images the skull and skeleton have always been for human audiences..

Check out the Photo Gallery: Skull Table..

Skull Table - Display..

Of particular interest are
- Ancient Trephined Skull, and
- Ancient Aymara Bound Skull

Ancient trephined Skull..
Pre-Columbian / 16th century human skull with brown patina..
Trephination consists of making a series of incisions in the skull to remove a portion of bone. Trephined human skull fossils date as far back as 10,000 years. This is thought to have been performed to relieve pressure caused by the binding process or to allow access to the brain.

Ancient Aymara Bound Skull ..
16th century human skull / Titicaca Region..
This ancient Peruvian skull exhibits an Aymara type deformation, caused by bindying the head of the individual while young. The reason for the practise of cranial deformation is believed to be cosmetic and is associated with physical menifestation of high social status.

Disco Skull [2000], Pearly Man [2007] and Diamond Jim [2004] ..
by Wilson Hand Kidde..

Gold and Ruby Skull /2003..
by Amy Sarkisian [American, b 1963]
2003/ beads, sequins, pins, foam and adhesive..

Mexican - Tree of Life
Plaster

Skulls
By Mark Flood [American, born 1957]
2004/ cast bronze..

Study of Woman with Death
by Al Farrow [American, b. 1943]
1986 / Cast bronze

Warrior of Death
Japanese / Meiji period
1890 / Cast bronze with steel base..

Check out the Photo Gallery: Skull Table..

Morbid Curiosity: Richard Harris Collection
Location: Sidney Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center..
January 28 – July 8, 2012
Curator: Lucas Cowan
Co-Curator: Debra Purden
Director of Exhibitions: Dr. Elizabeth Lee Kelly..
Presented by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture..

RELATED LINKS..
Morbid Curiosity: Richard Harris Collection..