Do you know the Etruscans?

One of the appeals of SMU's art program (when I was applying to schools) was the fact that they have their own art museum on campus!! THE MEADOWS ART MUSEUM. This past week in my drawing class we took a little field trip to look at the current exhibit. I thought it was so cool to have such a unique resource within 5 minutes walking distance of our classroom. We got a personal tour of the "The Etruscan Tomb" from the SMU Dean/Professor who headed the archaeological dig in Italy last summer! The exhibit is an amazing collection of artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization in Poggio Cola, Italy ranging from dates between 5th and 7th century B.C.!! WHOA that's old!! (It's pre-roman civilization!) There were beautifully crafted jewelry, urns, utensils, armor, sarcophagi, and sculptures. It boggled my mind to think that humans over 2,000 years ago had a similar aesthetic to people now. The design and form of the pottery was so pleasing! Just imagine, the time and care that went into each item makes every utilitarian object so much more special. Things weren't manufactured and spit out by machines. Artisans and craftsmen back then were probably highly respected for their contributions to society. They were extremely talented. This field trip definitely heightened my interest in ancient cultures! (I hadn't even heard of the Etruscans before seeing this)