Signs of the Zodiac Copy of 9th-10th century original.

Curator: Looking at this piece, it's like peering into a miniature cosmos. I find it calming. Editor: It's a stunner, isn’t it? This is an anonymous carving entitled "Signs of the Zodiac," now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, with a sight size of about 14 by 4 and a half inches. Curator: I can feel the artist’s hand, their intent to weave these signs into something more than just symbols. Editor: Absolutely. I’m interested in the physicality of this; the labor, the skill needed to carve such intricate details in this material. Where did it come from? How was it made? Curator: You know, the real magic isn't just in the craft, but how these signs, these ancient stories, still resonate within us. Editor: I think that connection you feel is precisely what makes it art. It's not just labor, it's labor infused with meaning. It speaks to our human need to find order and pattern. Curator: Yes, and to see ourselves in the stars. It’s a reminder that we're all connected, aren’t we? Editor: In a way, yes. Art like this shows us how deeply our search for meaning is rooted in material conditions and processes. Curator: It makes me think about the journey of understanding ourselves through art and craft. Editor: Right, a journey mapped through materials, hands, and cultural contexts.