What is cloisonné?
Discovered during an archaeological dig at Sutton Hoo, a shoulder-clasp’s intricate craftsmanship helps us understand cloisonné.
Structure 40 at Yaxchilan and Bird Jaguar IV
Built by Bird Jaguar IV or Yaxum B’ahlam IV in the 8th century, Structure 40 publicized Bird Jaguar IV’s dynastic lineage and helped to justify his rule at the Maya city-state of Yaxchilan.
April Calendar Page in the Medieval Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
In a scene from the medieval illuminated manuscript known as Très Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry, nobles gather for a wedding and to pick wildflowers.
The Medieval Irish Bell-Shrine of St. Mura
This video examines the Irish medieval Bell-Shrine of St. Mura, a relic and reliquary that gives us insight into early Christianity, faith, and community in the early Middle Ages in Ireland.
March in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
What did March look like in the Middle Ages? A famous illuminated manuscript gives us insight!
What is Kufic?
This video looks at the beautiful calligraphic script known as Kufic that was used in early manuscripts of the Qur’an.
February in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
What did February look like in the Middle Ages? A famous illuminated manuscript gives us insight!
Han Gan, Night-Shining White
This famous traditional Chinese ink painting, currently in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a portrait of Tang emperor Xuanzong’s favorite horse, Night-Shining White.
Aztec feather art more precious than gold (featherworks)
Feather objects like feathered headdresses were popular for much of Mesoamerican history, and the Aztecs of Central Mexico created some of the most spectacular featherworks that still survive.
The most famous Aztec artwork: The Sun Stone or “Calendar Stone”
The most famous Aztec artwork—the “Calendar Stone” or Sun Stone, today in Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology