Keepsakes of Conflict

In my ongoing quest for details that might spark my next set-in-Manitoba historical novel, I took myself to the Ft. la Reine museum to see the exhibit currently on display. It’s called Keepsakes of Conflict: Trench Art and Other Canadian War-Related Craft. Trench art is any item made by soldiers, prisoners of war or civilians, using war material, provided they are associated with armed conflict or its consequences. This exhibition interprets the human aspect of war, and how conflict affects us mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

Those who’ve never lived through a war might wonder why on earth anyone would want souvenirs from the horrors of conflict. This exhibit sheds light on some of the possible reasons. Many of the objects, like napkin rings and letter openers, speak to a life of refinement. They represent hope that life will be good and decent and civilized once again. Shell casings and bullets used to create works of art also reveal a soldier’s need to share his experiences with others. The uncomfortable quality of these pieces reminds us of the sacrifices made. Creating a beautiful vase from an instrument of death points out our need for transformation on so many levels.

 During World War II, 34,000 German soldiers were housed in prison camps across Canada. Their guards purchased or traded with prisoners for their craft items such as carved wooden boxes, canes, picture frames, ships in bottles or light bulbs, drawings and cartoons. In contrast, Canadian soldiers held captive by German forces had no such resources for self-expression. They turned anything they might get their hands on into something necessary for survival.

 You’ve probably heard of craft therapy for victims of PTSD. This idea is not new, as many wounded veterans recovering in hospitals during and after the war created wicker work, embroidery, wooden furniture and toys, metalwork and the like. Creativity can help heal all kinds of trauma. Wounded soldiers were the first to hand-cut red poppies used to commemorate Remembrance Day.

 The shocking contrast of this artwork reveals much about human nature. We have never learned to get along, to rise above destroying one another. Yet, made in the image of our Creator, we also long for beauty, redemption, transformation, and healing.

 Did you ever wonder why Christians choose the cross, a gruesome device of torture and death, to wear as jewelry or decorate our homes and churches? The symbol remains significant in much the same way as the war art. When Jesus was nailed to a rugged Roman cross, he fought the most significant battle ever: the war for our souls. 

 The enemy thought the cross was his own greatest victory. Jesus turned it into Satan’s greatest defeat. Christ’s triumph came three days later when he conquered death, clearing the way for us to live lives of redemption and transformation. The cross becomes beautiful because of the great reversal Christ accomplished there.

 Keepsakes of Conflict will be at the Ft. la Reine Museum until November 15, so this weekend is your chance to see it. This time of year, the museum is open Friday through Sunday only, 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. While you’re there, you will want to tour the whole place, so go early. Regular adult tickets cost $10 but if you’re a student or over sixty, it’s only $8. Children five to twelve get in for $5 and under four get in free. If that all adds up to more than $25 for your family, you’ll want the daily family pass instead.

 Lest we forget.