PERSONAL OBJECT
BGC STUDY COLLECTION OBJECT
Tojwi
Supernatural Amulet Replica
China
Metal, plastic
Ibo carver
Ibo Cane Top
Nigeria
Wood, paint
This replica of an amulet from the CW series Supernatural functions as an accessory for the wearer. In the show, its use extended far beyond wear. It was used as a locator to track the Christian God. Though it proved useless in this hunt, it held sentimental value for the characters. Beyond its sentimental value for the characters, it holds value to me and my friends. I bought this replica out of my love for Supernatural and wear it constantly as a reminder of the memories it holds. Notice the distinct design and smooth texture of the charm, its variations in gold color, slender horns, narrow nose, low ears, and tribal embellishment on the forehead. The unique design and intended position around the neck makes it a point of attention and conversation.
This carving, created by a Nigerian Ibo carver, is an item from Bard Graduate Center’s Study Collection. The texture of the piece tells the story of handwork; close examination reveals exactly where wood was chipped off. The faint smile, now faded colors, and knelt position of the subject are signs of age and remain up for interpretation. Stephen Blank procured this piece from a peddler in Lagos in the 1970s, but the extensive history of this specific object is difficult to determine. Carving is among the most common forms of art expression for the Ibo people of southeastern Nigeria. Its hollow middle gives the impression that it is a cane head, but this remains uncertain.
COMPARATIVE ESSAY
Function awards personality to an object. Whether as a decoration, accessory, tool, or other, function continues to write each object’s story to tell. My replica of an amulet from the CW series Supernatural, owned by the character Dean, has been able to tell several stories throughout its life of use as an object from my personal collection. My study object, a (probable) Ibo cane top, has not been awarded the same privilege. The ambiguity surrounding the history of both objects as well as the environment that each object has lived in, has impacted the way that each object has developed.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Skyler Chouloute is a rising junior at Bard High School Early College Queens. She is particularly interested in museums, how they work, and reading. Her favorite subjects are science, math, and history. To her, “active matter” refers to any object that has been activated either by its surroundings or by the people perceiving it.