Saturday, July 30, 2016

VISUAL PLEASURE

A collection of West African Islamic Teaching Tablets used by students in West Africa. Click

"I collect these objects to learn from them. In some moments these things are going to teach me something. For me, this is like a library. These are my books." - Jose Bedia, Art News

Though I don't own these beautiful artifacts 
I can gaze at the images, 
feeling the history and stories within them
.... feeling some satisfaction that they exist somewhere 
and hoping that they  are being preserved 
so that others can share in the wonder.  


Ancient Indian Manuscript. Click here

"I may have some pieces that are considered important, but most of the objects are things that evoke a feeling of visual pleasure. I think that part of the pleasure of collecting is to go out and find that great object and then introduce it into your environment." - James Marinaccio in Art and Antiques

This ancient book is part of a collection of 70 tiny books, their lead pages bound with wire. They could unlock some of the secrets of the earliest days of Christianity. Found in a cave in Jordan. Click here

Sea Excavated Artifact

Some of these tactile pieces invite holding but alas I can only look.

Ivory Inuit Amulets. click


Arrowhead, Tanzania click


Antique Afghani bone Spindle Whorls. click


 Bamana Granary Door, Mali  Click

"Certain objects are difficult to tame yet it is their very strangeness that perpetuates my curiosity and their appeal in my eyes." - Unknown Collector in Tribal Art

Wooden Atie Boat from the Ivory Coast click

"In age, variety and beauty, art from Africa is second to none. Africa had traditions of abstract art, performance art, installation art and conceptual art centuries before the West ever dreamed up the names." - Holland Cotter, The New York Times

28 comments:

  1. a fine collection of objects that of course i want to get closer to! those inuit whales...

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  2. They are spectacular aren't they?! Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  3. Fabulous collection. I can hear the tinkling of the Inuit whales and feel the coolness of the bone. Love the Holland Cotter quote.

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    1. Images that made my heart race when I discovered them!

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  4. time revealed through the making by hand

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    1. I love finding old wooden pieces that have been used daily for decades and feeling the hand impressions in the wood.

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  5. So, so beautiful! Magical, I wish I could touch them too. xoxo

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    1. Seeing and touching them would be the cherry on the top.

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  6. Such lovely things, thank you for bringing ginger them to us via your blog.

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    1. Thanks Penny. They are rather beautiful aren't they?!

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  7. Maravilloso! Me gustan todas las piezas. Muchas gracias por compartirlas

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  8. i do enjoy your collections, thank you

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  9. Thanks for sharing these wonderful images.....those teaching tablets are so wonderful on so many levels. Cheers to you, Robyn!

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    1. They are indeed! Love the palimpsest on many of them. Layers of learning.

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  10. le petit livre... un trésor!

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  11. such wonderful pieces.
    the book like ones are so intriguing.
    thank you.

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    1. Yes, I'm drawn to the books and manuscripts too. Glad you enjoyed them.

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  12. So many stories, told and untold in a way - the writing tells one; the use another. The marks of the makers and the oils of the users...a gorgeous reflection and meditation Robyn.

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    1. Looking at these pieces I can sense the imprint of many hands and I can just imagine the stories. I'm sure the writing boards got your attention!

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  13. Hi R - I was talking to N a fews days ago about the energy of artists that gets passed into works. I think when I look at hand made and written stuff I feel I not only see the beauty on the surface but the beauty and humanity that sits below the surface - quietly vibrating and sending out its own message and engaging. Thanks for your gathering and sharing. B

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  14. That's a wonderful way to think about art. Each piece vibrating with the energy of each artist.

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