From Persian tiles to Alaskan carvings: a global archaeological survey
In short: This 1952 film from the Penn Museum offers a curated journey through diverse global artifacts. It explores the craftsmanship, cultural significance, and historical origins of objects ranging from 2nd-century Greek marble to 19th-century Filipino brass.
The presentation highlights a 2nd-century A.D. marble head of the Greek god Dionysus from Italy, noting the Hellenistic technique of drilling holes into grape leaves to create realistic indentations. It also examines a late 16th-century Persian pottery tile from Isfahan, which depicts a princess wearing a Chinese-style crown.
The collection spans continents, featuring 19th-century brass helmets from the Philippines made by the Moros, and a late 19th-century brass horse figurine from the Ashanti people of the Gold Coast. The film provides a window into how these objects served as tools for war, ceremonial use, and weights, reflecting the resistance and artistry of various civilizations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What In The World 2 (ca. 1952)
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