Armour: A Form of Protection
Shauna Bligh
We might not realize it but protection is everywhere in our lives. We protect ourselves and our loved ones from physical harm and pain throughout our lives. We build invisible defences throughout our lives to protect against mental torture. We revere gods in life to protect ourselves in the afterlife. I have explored artistic armor which has been used as protection throughout history, looking at the Terracotta Army, Wonder Woman and ‘Love’ by Alexander Milov. This project was initially an exploration of skin tattoos as an expression of individuality. Upon chatting to students on campus, I realized that tattoos are not only an expression of personality, but are for many, their fight for acceptance and a protective shield against the external world. They are a second skin protecting the inner self. This begs the question of how can we shield ourselves from the world.
Armour has played a key role in protecting armies throughout history. It was initially made from leather or fabric which was reinforced with felt. This was followed by mail which was a construction of interwoven rings of steel or iron. Rigid armor was made from tough materials like metal, wood, and plastic. In ancient times (1400) metal breast plates and helmets were worn by soldiers in combat. Armor has been used throughout history both as protection and as a symbol of valour. As science has advanced, so too has the need to protect ourselves from nuclear warfare and terrorism. Technological advances have brought armour like Kevlar vests and ceramic plates, and it is commonly used today by the military and civilians who are threatened by violence.
Wonder Woman
The Terracotta Army in More Detail
From the Terracotta Army to Wonder Woman
Evolution of ideas
Wonder Woman is a fictional super heroine. She was created by American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter for DC comics in 1941.The character of Wonder Woman is a founding member of the Justice league. The original story revolves around a hero named Princess Diana who was a member of the Amazonian tribe on the island of Paradise. She came to life when given superpowers by the Greek gods after she had been sculpted in clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta. Wonder Woman’s shield, armour, sword, and bracelets, a blend of Amazonian magic and superior craftmanship were durable and bulletproof. They protected her against attack.
Marston believed that women were mentally the stronger sex and would eventually rule the United States. Wonder Woman was an example of strong, free, courageous womanhood which contradicted the idea that women were inferior to men. She was a positive role model for young girls. She inspired self-confidence, and ambition to achieve in sport, occupations and professions monopolized by men. Wonder Woman represents the kind of woman who should represent society. She is an honest and strong woman whose goal is not only to catch the bad guy but also to reform him. She is a symbol of truth and equality. She was fashioned by the gods and her role in life was to stop evil and spread peace. Wonder Woman is the epitome of compassion, empathy, equality, and empowerment for women everywhere. She is the ultimate symbol of justice and protection. Wonder Woman is everything we aspire to be. Who doesn’t want to be the person who others look up to? Who doesn’t want to look evil in the eye, feel the fear and have the strength to overcome it? Who doesn’t want to be Wonder Woman?
Collaboration with Classmates
From Wonder Woman to Alexander Milov
Collaboration with one of my classmates led to the discovery of Ukrainian artist Alexander Milov and his sculpture entitled ‘Love.’ This entrancing wire frame sculpture depicts two adults who are at odds with each other. The two-metal frame human silhouettes, one which is male, and the other female are posed back-to-back. There is a small opaque child inside each frame. The small children are a poignant representation of the innocent person who has been lost in adulthood. The children are reaching out to each other, attempting to reconnect with each other. It is a sad and forceful depiction of the defenses we as adults build over our lifetime. Children accept everything at face value. They accept everyone equally without discrimination.Children don’t hurt each other indiscriminately. Babies automatically reach out to touch everything they see. They love unconditionally. Unfortunately, life changes us all. Circumstances harden our attitudes. We hurt each other. We build defenses and block out our inner child. We lose the ability to just be in the moment, touch those beside us, laugh and play. We turn our backs on each other and construct our own armour.
Conclusion
In conclusion there are many forms of armour and it has many uses. As humans it is important that we can protect ourselves both mentally and physically. Having a second skin helps us bounce back from adversity and conflict. We can build strong and powerful fortresses and have armies to defend us in battle. We can build an invisible wall of armour to protect ourselves from pain and sorrow. We paint our bodies with tattoos to portray an image of ourselves.
Whilst armor is a necessary shield for protection in life, it is important we don’t forget what it is that we are protecting. It is important that we remain open to love and the experiences that are life. Will protecting those close to us in life give us peace and protection in the afterlife?
Love, Burning Man by Alexander Milov 2015
The Terracotta Army in more detail in
Qin Shi Huang the first emperor of China took no chances with his protection in the afterlife. Huang built an impressive army of life size models of soldiers, horses, and chariots to protect his burial grounds. Known as the terracotta army, this funerary art was built in 210-209 BCE to accompany and protect the tomb of the emperor in the afterlife. The sculpture comprises more than 8,000 soldiers, 150 cavalry horses and 130 chariots with 520 horses. The sculptures which were molded, fired, assembled, and then painted are in situ in pits near the Qin Shi Huang mausoleum located in Lishan, Shaanxi Province in central China. The terracotta army is part of a large necropolis, approximately thirty-eight square miles, and consists of four pits with soldiers laid out to protect the tomb where the emperors laid. The first pit contains more than six thousand figures. The second pit represents a military guard and is home to cavalry, infantry, and war chariots. Pit three houses the command post, high ranking officers and a war chariot. The fourth pit remains empty. The terracotta figures are placed within the pits in precise military formation according to their rank and duties. Most of the figures carried weaponry to include bronze swords, daggers, battle-axes, spears, lances, shields, and crossbows, among many others. The army sculpture represents the power of the emperor to control all the resources of the newly unified China and maintain this empire in the afterlife. The terracotta army represents a strong defense against the afterlife, but how can we prepare for the unknown?
