Understanding Denver International Airport’s Anubis Statue
You might have noticed something peculiar at Denver International Airport (DIA) – a gigantic, 26-foot-tall statue of the Egyptian god Anubis. DIA is known for stirring the urban legends pot, and this statue does nothing to quell those conspiracies.
Anubis: Who Was He?
Anubis is an ancient Egyptian deity, typically represented as a man with the head of a jackal or a wild dog. The ancient Egyptians revered him as the god of mummification and the afterlife. He protected graves and lords over the realm of embalming, presiding over the rites that ensured safe passage to the underworld.
The Anubis Statue at DIA
The Anubis statue at DIA stood at a towering 26 feet, right in front of the airport’s terminal, causing a bit of a stir considering Denver’s airport is already a hotbed for conspiracy theories.
Why Anubis?
But the odd timing and location of such a statue with deep mythicalroots weren’t accidental or without consideration. Anubis’arrival aligned with the Denver Art Museum’s King Tut exhibit back in 2010. The statue was a creative promotional endeavor, designed to catch the eye and spark conversations. It was successful by any measure, but simple marketing can’t stop the accredited buzz of DIA conspiracy theories.
The Underlying Conspiracy Theories
For conspiracists, Anubis was seen as another cryptic symbol supporting their claims. Some linked it to the New World Order theory, involving a group of international elites controlling world events, while others thought the god of death signified something ominous happening or was tied to the underworld.
Anubis and the King Tut Exhibit
Anubis was initially welcomed as a unique and impressive way to generate interest in the King Tut exhibit. The hefty statue was said to be one of the most photographed items at the airport during its tenure. The Egyptian god was sent packing after three months of diligently promoting the museum event. The King Tut exhibit was, like Anubis, a temporary addition to the city of Denver.
Takeaway
Denver International’s Anubis is a stark example of how art installation can become a focal point for urban legends and conspiracy theories. From these tales, we can gain fascinating insights into the public’s perception and representation of ancient cultures. Despite conspiracy theories, Anubis undoubtedly left a memorable imprint on Denver and its visitors.
