The Blood Queen from Edzná, the Maya ruler Lady Ixb’aah Pahk
In this video, we focus on Lady Ixb'aah Pahk', a ruler of the Maya city-state of Edzná in Campeche, Mexico.
Lambayeque (Sicán) tumis or ceremonial knives
Learn what a tumi (ceremonial knife) is in the ancient Andes, looking in detail at Sicán (Lambayeque) examples in gold, silver, and turquoise.
August Calendar Page in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
A calendar page from the famous medieval manuscript, the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, focuses on falconry in August.
July Calendar Page in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
A calendar page from the famous medieval manuscript, the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, focuses on peasants harvesting wheat and shearing sheep during July and also shows the Palace of Poitiers in France.
What is a mosaic? Examples from Aztec, Roman, Thai, Islamic, and Byzantine Art
This video focuses on understanding mosaics, both how they are made and the materials they are made from.
June in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
Barefoot peasants are shown raking hay and cutting grass under a clear blue sky, offering a glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.
What is Jade (Jadeite) in Mesoamerica?
Jadeite was a precious material in Mesoamerica among the Olmec, Maya, and others.
May Calendar Page in the 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, aristocrats have a May celebration in the forest.
What is cloisonné?
Discovered during an archaeological dig at Sutton Hoo, a shoulder-clasp’s intricate craftsmanship helps us understand cloisonné.
Who is Chahk (Chaak)?
This video looks at the ancient Maya god Chahk (also spelled Chaak or Chac).
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.