Hidden Gem: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, Chicago

I'm taking you to one of my favorite hidden gem museums in Chicago, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) on the University of Chicago campus. Although I don't want it to remain a hidden gem, it's truly one of the coolest places I've come across. It's free to visit, but they close at four o'clock, so we need to hustle.

The ISAC, located right across the street from the main quad, offers a deep dive into the ancient world. I visited to learn about cat worship in ancient Egypt and started my exploration by talking to the museum's chief curator, Dr. Marc Maillot.

Exploring the Museum

From a chronological standpoint, ISAC covers everything from prehistory to the Early Middle Ages, spanning from 5,000 BCE to the 6th century AD. Recent additions, like the Islamic collection display case, extend this range to sometime before the 14th century. The museum focuses on the Middle and Near East and the entire Nile Valley, including Egypt and Sudan. Remarkably, the ISAC relies on an archaeological collection of about 350,000 artifacts, with only 2% on display.

Some highlights include a wooden painted stela from the Third Intermediate Period, depicting the divine priestess of Amun, Djed-Khonsu Amun, presenting an offering to the god Ra-Horakhty. This piece is exceptional due to the artist's skill in creating a sense of transparency in the costume without mastering perspective, reflecting the depth and creativity of ancient artistry.

Understanding Ancient Cultures

Dr. Maillot shared an intriguing aspect of archaeological sites: finding a dog's footprint in a brick not perfectly cooked. Such discoveries connect us to ancient people, evoking existential questions about our own lives.

Museums should not be seen as exceptional outings but as cultural reflexes. Visiting a museum should be like checking a dictionary, tailored to one’s curiosity and eagerness to learn. This approach can enhance cultural engagement across cities like Chicago, making museums integral to everyday life.

Cat Worship in Ancient Egypt

I was particularly curious about cat worship, so Dr. Maillot and I examined a cat mummy mask. In Egyptian art, there's a constant play between the lioness and the cat, covering the full spectrum of female divine attributes.

I then spoke with Emily Teeter, a renowned Egyptologist specializing in ancient Egyptian languages and culture. She explained that cats held immense cultural and religious significance in ancient Egypt. Cats were beloved, often seen in statues, and their deaths were mourned with rituals. The ancient Egyptian word for cat was "miu," and one famous monument is the stone sarcophagus of Ta Miu, the pet cat of a king from the 18th dynasty.

Cats were significant in religion and the economy. Statues and mummified cats were offered to deities like Sekhmet and Bastet. Cat cemeteries, or "catacombs," housed mummified cats, presented as offerings to ensure the gods' favor, which in turn guaranteed the well-being of Egypt.

The Museum's Colonial Background

I discussed the museum's colonial background with Dr. Maillot, acknowledging that many collections come from overseas. Post-1972, it’s illegal to acquire artifacts from abroad. ISAC now focuses on partnerships and pedagogy, emphasizing long-term collaborations with host authorities and training local staff.

ISAC isn't just about displaying artifacts but also about recreating the mindset of the people who made them. By understanding social practices and contexts, the museum bridges the past with the present, highlighting the enduring human experience.

I love this museum because it’s about the human experience. Whether relating to ancient cat lovers or using history as a foundation for change, acknowledging the past is essential for growth. ISAC exemplifies how understanding ancient cultures enriches our lives and helps us build a better future.

---