Swords of Power
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES are available at Marischal Museum - see end of press release for further details
Aberdeen's Marischal Museum is offering visitors a rare opportunity to see a fascinating collection of swords from around the world.
The exhibition entitled, Swords of Power, opens in the University of Aberdeen's Marischal Museum, on Monday (August 16).
Swords from as far apart as Sudan, Afghanistan and Malaysia will be on display, as well as two historic Scottish swords, one of which is reputed to have been worn at the raising of the Jacobite standard at Invercauld in 1715.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the chance to see two Japanese swords, which have recently been cleaned and conserved, revealing details of their construction, including the maker's name on one. This is an interesting example of the on-going care and investigation of the collections by the museum's conservation department.
Hilary Murray, designer of the exhibition, said: " This is not just a glorification of the swords as weapons, it is an examination of their symbolism and mythology. Swords are a part of many traditional stories throughout the world, some of which are retold in the exhibition.
"The most awesome thing about these swords is the skill of the smiths who made them.
"I hope that people who visit this exhibition see the swords not just as 'sharp pointy things' but as supreme examples of the swordsmith's craft."
The exhibition runs until November 2004, at Marischal Museum, Broad Street, Aberdeen, and is open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday 2pm-5pm. Entry is free.