Hippus Opus
19"h x 22"L x 6"w;
Archaeologists are always digging up things that they decide need to be reconstructed in order that us common dolts can appreciate the find. I am usually disappointed by these reconstructions, and wish privately (until now) that they would just leave things in the condition that they found them, so that we can imagine for ourselves what it is that they discovered, and enjoy how time and circumstances have affected the artifact in question.
Of course anything that defies explanation as to its' purpose falls immediately into the category of "ceremonial item". I expect many of these items are actually parts of watermelon peelers,
(or perhaps parts to horse sculptures). I think Hippos Opus is my way of getting even with future archaeologists for ruining my museum experience.The pile of parts I cast to make this piece in no way resemble a horse, and should this piece be crushed into its' component parts through the passage of time, I believe, and hope, that it will befuddle any attempts at reconstruction. It almost befuddled me, and it was my idea.
So I hope I have created an image that people can enjoy today, and in the process, created a headache for future archaeologists. I like to think that in some way I have contributed to a long line of unidentifiable items "probably used for ceremonial purposes".
Photo by Kendrick Moholt