An unfortunate incident occurred at the Minneapolis Institute of Art last month, damaging an ancient artifact. According to StarTribune, a visitor accidentally tripped, leading to the mishap involving the Pillsbury Owl, a bronze wine vessel dating back to the 12th or 13th century BCE.
The Pillsbury Owl was prominently displayed at the entrance of the museum’s exhibition titled “Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes” when the incident took place on April 9. The vessel, associated with the Shang dynasty (approximately 1600-1046 BCE), held significant cultural and historical value, as it would have been used by aristocrats in ritual offerings to honor their ancestors.
A spokesperson from the museum confirmed that the damaged artifact has been removed from the exhibition for further assessment and conservation. The extent of the damage and the estimated time required for restoration efforts are yet to be determined. Fortunately, neither visitors nor staff members suffered any injuries during the incident. The museum spokesperson emphasized their commitment to continuously improving safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Replacing the Pillsbury Owl in its display area are bronze-winged dragons from the 4th or 5th century BCE. These dragons were previously on view in the second gallery of the “Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes” exhibition and have been relocated to fill the vacant space left by the damaged artifact.
The occurrence serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of ancient artifacts and the importance of careful handling and preservation. Museums play a vital role in safeguarding and showcasing cultural heritage, and incidents like this highlight the challenges they face in protecting valuable historical objects. Efforts will be made to assess and restore the damaged bronze owl, ensuring that visitors can once again appreciate it in its original splendor.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art will continue its commitment to monitoring and enhancing safety measures within its premises, ensuring the preservation and protection of its valuable collection for future generations to enjoy.
