024 Metal Mirror

Museum Description: Caryatid Mirror

Room: 15/Case: 9/Number: GR 1898.2-22.1

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:12

A 'caryatid' is a draped female figure, a form sometimes used for the columns of a building.  Here it is used as the handle of a metal mirror.  Corinth was a very rich city, and was famous for producing luxury goods such as mirrors.  The Corinthians written to by Paul would have understood his illustration well.

Viewing this artefact helps us better understand Paul's use of the illustration in this verse.  Mirrors today are made of a thin coating behind a sheet of glass, so are highly reflective.  Ancient mirrors, however, were made of metal and had to be kept polished.  Even then the outline would be only hazy.  As we can see, without constant polishing the mirror will eventually be so tarnished it will not reflect at all.  This pictures what has happened to Christendom's understanding of the Bible, where as we have accurate knowledge from Jehovah.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.