Archives Scrapbooks

The image is a newspaper clipping from "The Harvard Crimson," dated October 28, 1930. The article is titled "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

The article discusses an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum showcasing findings from the Harvard-led Mesopotamian expedition, which was conducted shortly after 1600 B.C. The exhibition features a variety of inscribed cuneiform tablets, statues, and other artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia. The excavations, which took place over several years, have significantly contributed to archaeological research in the region.

Key points from the article include:

1. Historical Significance: The exhibition highlights the rich history of Mesopotamia, including the discovery of ancient cities and artifacts that provide insights into the daily lives and cultures of past civilizations.

2. Archaeological Finds: The article mentions the discovery of inscribed tablets, statues, and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Mesopotamia.

3. Artistic Value: The exhibition includes various artifacts such as sculptures, pottery, and glassware, showcasing the artistic skills and techniques of the ancient Mesopotamians. Notable pieces include a bronze censer and a glazed pottery piece.

4. Excavation Details: The excavations were conducted in collaboration with the American School of Oriental Research and the University of Pennsylvania. The findings include a wide range of artifacts, from household items to religious objects.

5. Public Interest: The exhibition is noted for its appeal to both scholars and the general public, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient world.

Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of the exhibition in providing a deeper understanding of Mesopotamian history and culture through the display of significant archaeological findings.

The image is a newspaper clipping from The Harvard Crimson, dated October 28, 1930. The article is titled "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

The article describes an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum showcasing the findings of a Harvard expedition to Mesopotamia. The exhibition features artifacts and inscriptions from various ancient cultures, including the Assyrians and Babylonians.

Key points include:

• The exhibition highlights the discoveries of the Harvard Mesopotamian expedition, illustrating the rich archaeological and artistic heritage of the region.
• Notable findings include inscribed cuneiform tablets, household utensils, and artistic artifacts from ancient cities like Nuzi and Khorsabad.
• The text mentions the work of prominent archaeologists like Edward Chiera, Robert H. Pfeiffer, and R. F. S. Starr.
• The exhibition displays a variety of objects, such as terra cotta sculptures, glazed terra cotta, and pottery, which provide insight into the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of ancient Mesopotamian cultures.
• The article also mentions the historical and artistic significance of the artifacts, including the craftsmanship and artistic techniques used in their creation, such as the use of baked brick in construction and the detailed glazing techniques on pottery.

The exhibition is noted for its comprehensive and detailed portrayal of the lives and customs of the ancient people who lived in Mesopotamia.

The image is a page from the October 28, 1930, issue of the Harvard Crimson, a student newspaper at Harvard University. The main article discusses an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum displaying findings from a Harvard expedition to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The article highlights the significance of the artifacts, including inscriptions, terra cotta sculptures, and other objects, which offer insights into the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations.

Key points from the article include:

• The exhibition showcases the results of the Harvard expedition's excavations in Iraq, dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian empires.
• The artifacts include various types of inscriptions, terra cotta sculptures, and household items.
• The sculptures, particularly the terra cotta lions, are praised for their artistic quality and historical value.
• The article notes the meticulous care taken in preserving these artifacts, which are important for understanding the past civilizations.
• The text also mentions specific artifacts like the lion heads in terra cotta, which are considered masterpieces of ancient art.

The layout and content of the article aim to inform readers about the historical and cultural significance of the displayed artifacts, providing a glimpse into the past through these archaeological findings.

THE HARVARD CRIMSON

October 28, 1930

Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages

An exhibition of findings of the Harvard Mesopotamian expedition is being shown at Fogg, and will close on Saturday of this week. Illustrating the progress and results of Harvard's past three years of excavations in Iraq, the exhibition is well in keeping with the great interest which of late has arisen in archaeology as it does material of both purely scientific and artistic importance. It cannot help but interest those whose minds are open to the past achievements of man.

From very early times the visible remains of the vast empires that centered between the Tigris and Euphrates have been a cause for wonder to the antiquarians—great rock carvings and huge mounds, clearly the sites of ancient cities, had been pious destinations by travelers even before the time of Marco Polo.

In more recent times those two pioneers in Mesopotamian archaeology, Layard and Botta, conducted the first excavations for scientific purposes in that region, and the result of their findings has been the never ending confirmation of the greatness of the ancient civilizations.

Here is material for everyone: inscriptions for the philologist, man's life cycle fully illustrated for the anthropologist, and objects of beauty for the lover of art. Whether it be the reliefs of the Assyrians from Khorsabad, the delicate gold and silver work of the Chaldees, or the subtle modeled terra cotta of the Hittites at Nuzzi does not matter much. Each has its distinct and separate appeal.

The site of the excavations carried on by Harvard University in connection with the American School of Oriental Research is in the northern section of Iraq close to the present city of Kirkuk. This place which for 3500 years has been a deserted mound was once the flourishing city of Nuzzi, the center of a community of people both commercially and militarily important. The results of the three years excavations have been going on under the respective directorship of Edward Chiera, Robert H. Pfeiffer, and R. F. S. Starr, during which time sufficient area has been laid bare to give a fairly accurate picture of the lives and customs of the people who lived there prior to the destruction and desertion of the city shortly after 1500 B.C. Great quantities of inscribed cuneiform tablets show the completeness and precision with which business records were kept. No business man's file today could be more painstakingly kept, nor his protection against law-suit more meticulously complete than that inscribed on the clay tablets dated 2500 years ago.

Household utensils of many kinds have been found, and it is possible to reconstruct with some degree of accuracy the life of the people. Of the architecture so much can be said that it was of the mud brick with which the construction is of mud brick with frequent use of baked brick for pavements, lower hall facings, and water channels. There are three separate types of buildings—the house, the great palace, and the temple.

It is in the latter two that particularly the artistic value has come to light. Here the Nuzian gave full play to their artistic impulses in their skill as artisans and in their understanding of and feeling for real art.

First among this class of objects should be mentioned the sculpture in glazed terra cotta. That people in Mesopotamia should as early as 2500 years ago have produced objects of this kind is almost amazing. The perfection of the sculpture itself, the glaze, and the color are such that the objects are as fresh and bright as when made. The glaze is of a turquoise color which has been used to produce a great variety of naturalistic forms without being imitative, and conventionalized without being studied. It has neither the dull realism of much of the later Assyrian works nor the unnatural grotesqueness of many early Sumerian works, coming in the era that it does one finds a link between early manners and later realism which takes the best from both new and old and emerges a true work of art.

In this same category may be placed the boar's head (loaned by the Iraq Museum). Here again we have real artistry and feeling in the modeling of what was surely, as with the other animal figures, but architectural decoration. The modeling and the feeling for design is worthy of earnest attention. This beast, whose body is covered with red paint and whose mane, head, tail, and paws are in a splendid, firm, yellow glaze, has not perhaps the natural grace of the lion, but has the force and power of the animal. If one allows the imagination to roam one can see the beast in the wild, and the feeling of the supremacy of the beast over man is brought home. This is not the conquest, it is a real beast.

Again the animal motif is seen in the bronze censer surmounted by three lions, which in spirit resemble the Babylonian rather than the Assyrian. Though this piece is not of the same importance artistically as those already mentioned, it has its own decorative charm and holds its own among the other objects.

Perhaps the most important piece archaeologically is the bone figure of a god (loaned by the Iraq Museum), which in size but not in importance is the least of the objects. Aside from its purely aesthetic value, its similarity to works of the Hittite country makes it very significant.

Those interested in pottery as well as those whose interests are purely anthropological will find the many types of household pottery of considerable interest. The potters of Nuzzi had a feeling for the plastic, and their work was not bounded by the bit of produce they had to sell. The shapes of the vessels are as varied as the decorative designs that adorn them. Certainly they were a master artisan.

This is not an attempt to enumerate everything that could interest the casual visitor to the exhibition. There are many other objects of scientific and artistic interest that could be mentioned, but merely a very summary review of those pieces in the Fogg Museum exhibition that cannot fail to interest both layman and specialist.

The image is a newspaper clipping from The Harvard Crimson, dated October 28, 1930. The article is titled "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

Here's a detailed summary:

The article announces an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum showcasing the discoveries made by the Harvard Mesopotamian expedition. The exhibition aims to illustrate the progress and results of Harvard’s archaeological work over the past three years in Iraq and will continue to be updated with new findings.

Key points of the article include:

1. Historical Importance:

   • The exhibition features objects that provide insights into the scientific and artistic achievements of ancient Mesopotamian cultures.
   • It includes artifacts from as far back as 3500 years ago, with a focus on both purely aesthetic and scientifically important pieces.

2. Archaeological Discoveries:

   • The exhibition highlights the work of travelers before the era of Marco Polo, noting the early civilizations between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
   • The findings from Layard and Botta's early excavations in the 19th century are mentioned, emphasizing the shift from mere treasure hunting to scientific exploration.

3. Cultural Insights:

   • The article describes various artifacts, such as inscribed clay tablets, which offer a glimpse into the daily life, business records, and literary achievements of ancient Mesopotamia.
   • It mentions the anthropological insights into Mesopotamian architecture, religion, and art, including comparisons with ancient Egyptian art.

4. Notable Exhibits:

   • One notable piece is a Hurrian Hymn from Nuzi, considered one of the oldest known musical notations.
   • Another significant artifact is a glazed lion from Babylon, which was part of the decorative elements of ancient buildings.
   • The article also references the "Iraq Museum," where similar artifacts are displayed, including a statue from Tell Asmar that dates back to around 2800 B.C.

5. Controversy and Criticism:

   • There is a critique of the work of R.F.S. Starr, who is said to have confused the dating of certain artifacts, specifically the late Assyrian works and earlier Sumerian pieces.

Overall, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look into the cultural and historical richness of Mesopotamia, showcasing how these findings contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations.

The image is a newspaper clipping from The Harvard Crimson, dated October 28, 1930. The headline reads "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

The article discusses an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum showcasing artifacts from a Harvard archaeological expedition to Iraq, specifically focusing on the sites of ancient Mesopotamia. The exhibition highlights the results of Harvard's excavations over three years, illustrating the scientific and artistic importance of the finds.

Key points include:

1. The exhibition features artifacts from the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Sumerian periods, covering over 3,500 years of history.
2. The site of Nuzi, near Kirkuk, is particularly noted for its well-preserved artifacts, including tablets, sculptures, and household items.
3. The artifacts include inscribed clay tablets, a lion-headed sculpture in glazed terra cotta, and various pieces of pottery and jewelry.
4. The article emphasizes the meticulous and scientific nature of the excavations, which have provided a comprehensive understanding of the lives and customs of the people who once inhabited these ancient cities.

The exhibition aims to offer an insight into the daily life and artistic achievements of the ancient Mesopotamians, providing a detailed and rich portrayal of their civilization.

The image shows a newspaper article dated October 28, 1930, from "The Harvard Crimson." The article is titled "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

The article describes an exhibition showcasing discoveries from Harvard's third excavation in Mesopotamia, specifically Iraq, with a focus on archaeological finds of historical and artistic importance related to ancient civilizations such as the Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Sumerians. It discusses the locations of these finds, including the site near Kirkuk, and highlights significant artifacts like household utensils, sculptured glazes, and pottery. The article provides insight into the excavation process, the cultural significance of the objects, and the craftsmanship involved.

The closing of the article offers a summary of the exhibition's value, noting its appeal to both laymen and specialists interested in early man-made objects and the history of civilization in Mesopotamia. The article emphasizes the detailed and careful work behind the excavation and exhibition display, explaining that some pieces are more about showcasing craftsmanship than aesthetic beauty.

The image you've provided is a scanned newspaper page from "The Harvard Crimson," dated October 21, 1930. It's an article titled "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages." The article discusses the exhibition of findings of a Harvard expedition to Mesopotamia that are on display at the Fogg Museum, covering topics like the ancient art and artifacts unearthed during excavations, their historical significance, and the insights they provide into the lives and customs of past civilizations. The layout is typical of historic newspapers with multiple dense columns of text and very little whitespace, aimed at an academic or well-educated readership given the context and vocabulary used. There are no images accompanying the text, which focuses entirely on the descriptive content of the artifacts and their relevance to the exhibition and historical scholarship.

The image is of a newspaper article from "The Harvard Crimson," dated October 28, 1930. The headline reads, "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages." The article details an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum that showcases artifacts discovered by Harvard University's Mesopotamia expedition. It describes various objects found in the excavation, including relics of ancient temples, inscribed cuneiform tablets dating back 3600 years, household utensils, and artistic sculptures. The article emphasizes the historical and artistic significance of the finds, noting contributions to understanding ancient civilizations. The publication aims to attract both laymen and specialists interested in archaeology and ancient artifacts.

The image is a scanned page from The Harvard Crimson, dated October 28, 1930. The headline at the top reads: "Fogg Art Museum Exhibition Displays Findings of Harvard Expedition to Mesopotamia, and Shows Objects of Past Ages."

Content Overview:

The article discusses an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum showcasing artifacts and findings from a Harvard expedition to Mesopotamia. The exhibition, which opened on Saturday and was set to close that week, highlights the results of three years of excavations in Iraq, past the territory of ancient civilizations such as the Tigris and Euphrates regions. The article emphasizes the historical and artistic significance of the discoveries, which include:

1. Archaeological Context:

   • The expedition focused on the ancient city of Nuzi, located in the northern section of Kirkuk, Iraq. Nuzi was a flourishing city around 2900 BCE, serving as the center of a community for over three years.
   • Excavations were conducted under the direction of Edward Chiera, Robert H. Pfeiffer, and R. F. S. Starr, who provided an extremely accurate depiction of the lives and customs of the people who inhabited the area.

2. Artifacts and Discoveries:

   • The exhibition includes a variety of objects, such as tablets, statues, and pottery, illustrating the artistic and scientific achievements of ancient Mesopotamian cultures.
   • Notable artifacts mentioned include:
     • Incomplete cuneiform tablets showing the incompleteness and precision of ancient record-keeping.
     • Household utensils, indicating the daily life of the people.
     • Bronze figures, including a Babylonian lion and a Babylonian bronze figure of a baby, which demonstrate artistic skill and realism.
     • Terra cotta figurines, such as the figure of Nuzi, which is described as a prime example of Babylonian art.
     • Pottery, including pieces from the Han dynasty in China, which were found in Mesopotamia, highlighting cross-cultural exchanges.

3. Cultural and Historical Significance:

   • The article discusses the archaeological importance of the finds, noting that they provide insight into the daily life, customs, and artistic achievements of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.
   • It emphasizes the scientific and artistic value of the artifacts, which are described as both purely scientific and of artistic importance.
   • The exhibition is noted to be of interest to philologists, anthropologists, art lovers, and anyone interested in the achievements of ancient civilizations.

4. Exhibition Details:

   • The exhibition is described as illustrating the results of Harvard’s past three years of excavations in Iraq.
   • It is noted that the exhibition is open to the public, inviting those interested in the past achievements of mankind to view the artifacts.

Visual Layout:

• The page is formatted in a typical newspaper style, with a clear headline, subheadings, and dense text organized into paragraphs.
• The article is centered on the page, with the publication name, The Harvard Crimson, prominently displayed at the top.
• The date, October 28, 1930, is printed at the top right corner.

Key Themes:

• Archaeology and History: The article highlights the significance of the expedition in uncovering ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.
• Art and Culture: It emphasizes the artistic and cultural value of the artifacts, showcasing the skill and creativity of ancient artisans.
• Public Engagement: The exhibition is presented as an opportunity for the public to engage with history and art.

This page provides a detailed account of the Fogg Art Museum's exhibition, emphasizing both the scientific and artistic importance of the findings from the Harvard expedition to Mesopotamia.