Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Tablet

Jason McKittrick has his latest offering from Nyarlathotep's Bazaar up- the Miskatonic University Archaeological Dig Kit.

- The “Dream Tablet”- A solid plaster block bearing the tentacled head of Cthulhu above an alien inscription and a star chart. An unknown “dream inducing” artifact is said to be contained inside. Comes with a wooden pick and hogs hair brush for artifact removal. (Measures 4” x 3” x 2”)
- Miskatonic University Department of Archaeology Notebook – A pocket-sized notebook for recording the process of excavating the “Dream Tablet”. Colleagues will want to read about your descent into madness! (Measures 3.5” x 5.5”)
- A page from the infamous “Cultes des Ghoules” showing an entry referring to the “Dream Tablet”. (Measures 8” x 10.5”)
-A charcoal rubbing of the “Dream Tablet” done by Dr. Ward. (Measures 4” x 5.5”)
- Catalog letter from the Miskatonic University Department of Archaeology pertaining to the Dr. Anna Ward and the “Dream Tablet” (Measures 8.5 “x 11”)
- Handwritten letters from Dr. Anna Ward after her committal to Arkham Sanitarium. The decline of her mental faculties can be glimpsed upon the page. (Measures 5” x 7” each)

I'm an unabashed fan of Mr. McKittrick's work.  He's produced some amazing statuettes and artifacts.  That said, I really like how this project adds a narrative element to the item in question.  One of my long-running interests has been the use of props as epistolary devices.  I dearly love a well done Cthulhu idol or intriguing amulet, but a singular item exists in a vacuum.  Giving it a history and context, telling its story with supplementary items and documents, turns an objet d'art into a genuinely interactive experience.



1 comment:

Unknown said...

Archaeologists can also listen to this tune about Lovecraftian archaeology while digging: https://soundcloud.com/charinos/miskatonic-university