Sandra Dodd

My husband just sent this to me. It might be a good explore for a
parent and child, or for just a parent!



This link is to an auction site (to be held soon) on a number of
Islamic pieces.

http://catalogue.sothebys.com/events/L09723

On the site is a link to an e-catalogue that allows you to view the
pieces (with a zoom function). There are a number of weapons and
calligraphy pieces in the collection. (I particularly like the inlay
on the 18th century Indian ax.) They even have some 10th century
Egyptian glass pieces. Total of 287 items. Interesting to see what
the truly rich spend their money on.


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Marina DeLuca-Howard

It is beautiful stuff, I just took a peak. Sad though it isn't in its
countries of origin providing some perspective on history for the Cultures
who produced it.

I did feel odd though that the science and technology and knowledge the
Muslims were discovering was at a time when the European Christians were
burning witches for using herbal cures, given the whole Christian debate on
this list;) Funny how history progresses. I remember being surprised to
read at some point as a teen that the Muslims were using science at a time
when the Christians were putting ashes on their foreheads, and casting
demons to cure the sick. We get so much from that area of the world, even
the Greek philosophers/scientists(Euclid's elements tablet for sale on the
site) got 'rediscovered' through the Muslim libraries. I don't understand
the development of gender politics there though.

I remember when reading about menstruation in Muslim culture seeing two
possible interpretations explained: one contention was that there was a
mistranslation from older transcripts that claimed menstruating women needed
to be excused to rest as they were vulnerable during this time, and the
other contention was that menstruating women were sick/unclean and society
needed to be protected from them. I always love the contradictions, and the
re-discovery of knowledge.

Sad the truly rich can have pieces of history as knickknacks!

Thanks for the post,
Marina

--
Rent our cottage: http://davehoward.ca/cottage/


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Sandra Dodd

-=-
Sad the truly rich can have pieces of history as knickknacks!-=-

I don't think there ever has been a time or place in which that wasn't
true. It's less true now than before, quite likely. Museums and
universities buy things now; they don't just go to the guy with the
winningest army and the biggest fortress.

Sandra

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