A family heirloom has recently found a new home at Morris Schools, sparking both excitement and educational opportunities.
Abigail Smart, a senior at Morris High School, had always seen the ‘artwork’ hanging for years in her grandmother’s home, though “we were never allowed to touch it.”
Recently, her grandmother passed, and as the family sorted through belongings, Abigail learned that the large piece of art belonged to her great-grandfa- ther, Milton Eugene Smart.
He served in the CIA and, according to family history, helped a Cambodian family escape the country during a period of conflict.
According to Abigail and her teacher Jeremy Avery, as a gesture of gratitude, the family presented him with the Angkor Wat rubbing.
“This has always been in our family, but I never understood its significance until recently,” Abigail shared. “I wanted to find it a place where its history could be appreciated, and my history teacher was the perfect person to help.”
Avery, who instructs the AP World History class, was thrilled by the artifact’s arrival, though he didn’t anticipate the size of the artwork.
“Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious structures in the world and is a fascinating mix of Hindu and Buddhist architectural influences,” Avery explained. “This rubbing depicts an ancient battle scene from the Khmer kingdom, showing the queen being carried to war. To have a piece like this in a small school in Oklahoma – it’s incredible.”
The artifact itself was created using a now-banned technique where rice paper is pressed against the intricately sculpted temple walls, capturing three-dimensional details in charcoal. Avery highlighted the artifact’s rarity, as this practice was outlawed in 1967, making the piece at least 60 years old.
“Seeing it for the first time was stunning,” he said. “The size, the details, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind educational tool.”
Efforts are currently underway to preserve the artifact and explore options for public display. Avery has reached out to experts from the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Historical Society to verify the piece’s age and possibly conduct restoration.
“We want to preserve this artifact not only for its value but as a testament to the cultural and historical narrative it represents,” he explained. “Having something like this allows students and community members to connect with history on a tangible level.”
Abigail has been actively involved in various school activities, including FFA, and she hopes to pursue a degree in political science and business, with aspirations of a career in law or politics.
For now, the artifact remains carefully stored as Morris Public Schools explores funding options for its preservation. It’s a unique opportunity to share a piece of the world’s history, and the goal is to allow others to learn from and appreciate this historical piece.
-Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. Located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it is considered the largest religious structure in the world by Guinness World Records. The temple was built by Suryavarman II and was founded in 1150 on a land area 402 acres in size.
