Sinophile Mohammed

Today's image shows the The Birth of the Prophet Muhammad - we probably should have started at the beginning, but ... It comes from Jami‘ al-tavarikh (The Compendium of Chronicles), which was created in Tabriz (Iran) ca. A.H. 714 (AD 1314–15).

This shows clearly the influence of Chinese artists, as a result of the conquest of the region by descendents of Genghis Khan. It may even have been made by a Chinese artist.

Edinburgh University Library (MS Arab 20, folio 42r). From The Legacy of Genghis Khan at LACMA, Cat. 6.

Mohammed on Buraq

Mecca can be seen below Mohammed

The influence of Chinese art, via the Mongol conquest of Persia, is clearly evident in this manuscript from Herat (1494-1495).

Mohammed's face is clearly visible too; British Library.

Mohammed and his successors

Today's Image of Mohammed (large flame halo, no veil), shows him with his successors: Ali (smaller flame halo, no veil), Abu Bakr, Husayn and Hasan (depicted as men). The different interpretations about subsequent leaders and heirs of Mohammed are of course the main difference between Sunni and Shi'a, or at least the reason these two groups split.

Persian manuscript from Shiraz, circa 1560; British Library.

Mohammed Preaching to his first Converts

Today's Image of Mohammed shows him converting, which he was far better at than Jesus Christ, I must admit. Christianity began to take off after the Crucifixion, but Islam had begun its journey to become one of the dominant religions within Mohammed's lifetime. Although Mohammed was one of the great generals of his age, he did not force conversions by the sword, and told his followers not to either. He felt that conversion should come as a result of preaching, which he is shown doing in this image. The face of the congregation (click here for a larger image: BNF) are notable for their diverse features and ethnicities, and show how Islam unified a variety of peoples through religion.

Mohammed is in the pulpit, and a lamp hangs to the left of him, showing that he is in a mosque teaching the Word of Allah. He, like those he is teaching, has a halo and his face is clearly visible. Persian, 1489, BNF.

The Mohammed Image Archive points out several almost identical depictions of this popular scene, with Mohammed's face visible: here, and here. The plethora of images of this scene show the great importance placed by Islam on voluntary conversion - modern 'conversion by the sword' of terrorist groups would have been frowned on by Mohammed. And yes, I have read the Koran (and some Sharia).

Mohammed at Mecca

The Kaaba at Mecca is so holy that non-Muslims are not allowed anywhere near it - Richard Burton is the last infidel to have seen it. But here not only is Mohammed's face fully depicted, but the Kaaba, which he is re-dedicating, is also shown.

Tabriz, circa 1315,
Library of the University of Edinburgh; Mohammed Image Archive.

The Pope Wears Prada

... if the Devil is the anti-Christ, then should the Pope be the anti-Devil ?

Being called Dorothy, I avoided red shoes for years as I grew tired of the jokes. It was a terrible faux pas, as wearing them with jeans or white dresses in summer is a classic look. It generally works better on women, but if any man can get away with it, then it's the infallible pope.

Much fuss has been made of the red shoes worn by the Pope, with suggestions flying around that papal ruby slippers come from Prada. It's all nonsense of course. The second picture shows the shoes in close-up and although I can't read the label, it's clearly not Prada. I understand that the shoes in fact come from the Papal Outfitters.

The Pope has been snapped in some rather snazzy sunglasses, but the red shoes are nothing new.

Last week the Pope gave a speech in Germany which upset some Muslims. They were upset because they were told to be upset, and I very much doubt they either heard or read the speech. If they had, it would have been quite clear that the Pope was not expressing his own anti-Muslim views, but rather quoting from a historical document.

His love of history is also expressed through his clothing, most notably in his red slippers. These are a revival of traditional papal dress. Although not what we associate with sandals, the early shoes are termed Episcopal Sandals (often also referred to as Slippers). The present Pope's feet are clearly clad in unembroidered leather, and so are Episcopal Shoes.

Episcopal Shoes were the only kind of footwear on which a cross was permitted - it was the pope's perogative and forbidden to all other Christians. The shoes were worn with special silk stockings called caligae, worn over ordinary stockings - these could only be worn by bishops after the eight century.

At first the various types of Episcopal shoes and stockings were simply symbols of status, modeled on those worn by Senators and the Late Antique rich. I thought that red boots were worn in Triumphs, but cannot find the source, so may be wrong on that one. Red boots were certainly worn by later Emperors and the early Kings - Caesar donning red boots was interpreted as a sign that he wanted to make himself king, along with his image on coins, and this in turn led to his assassination.

Paul VI joined the 20th century, and switched over to the type of leather outdoor shoes worn by the present pope.

John Paul II decided that his Polish-made shoes were better suited, and discontinued the practice of red shoes; he was however buried in red papal shoes.

Benedict XVI has revived the practice.

The shoes in the last photo are outdoor Episcopal Shoes from 1808 that belonged to Pius VII.

Until Pius V popes wore red; after his death they have tended to favour white, except in their shoes.

A few other details of papal dress are worth mentioning. Their Ring of the Fisherman is designed to recall St. Peter's earlier career as a fisherman. The pallium cloak - first used just by popes, then also by cardinals - of course derives from derives from the Roman garment.

The pileolus (popularly called "zucchetto") is the name given to the little skull cap that the pope, Catholic and Anglican clergy wear. John Paul II was innovative in this area of dress too: when given a new cap, he gave the giver the one he was wearing. Early clerics were tonsured, so this served the practical purpose of covering the shaved part of their head and keeping them warm. Although it looks like a yarmulke, and would seem to be a hangover from Christianity's roots in Judaism, this is not correct. The pileolus is first recorded in the Medieval period, when there were several variations, including one that covered the ears to keep them warm too. The first depiction of the pileolus is in the church of St. Francis at Assissi, in the painting of "St. Francis before Honorius III" (1290).

(Photos from: AP top two; Wikipedia bottom).

Mohammed depicted on coins ?

The Greeks and Roman put their gods on coins. The Byzantines put JC, but not God. All three put images of historical rulers on coins. Mohammed was a living person and a prophet. But on top of that he was also a ruler and a general who conquered a vast area.


The Mohammed Image Archive has the following summary of the question of whether or not Mohammed was depicted on coins. It's so well summarised it seemed easier to simply follow them, rather than confuse you on this difficult issue:




"According to this site, these early Islamic coins -- gold dinars issued during the reign of the caliph Marwan II in 693 A.D. -- may depict Mohammed himself. Although numismatic scholars have assumed the figures on the lower coins were all Marwan II, the author of the site linked above makes a strong case that the central figure on the top coin is emulating Byzantine coin designs of the same era, which show Jesus on the obverse, in the place where the male figure is on the Islamic coin, and that the figures on either side of him are Abu-Bakr (Mohammed's companion) on his left and Aisha (his young wife) on his right. Also suggesting that these now-extremely-rare coins (all now housed in the British Museum) depict Mohammed is the fact that they were all ordered to be destroyed shortly after being minted, which may have been the first instance of an image of Mohammed being seen as inappropriate. The top coin was made only 67 years after Mohammed's death (the year 77 of the Islamic era, which dates to his arrival in Medina from Mecca), which would make it far and away the earliest depiction of Mohammed ever made, and possibly even modeled after memories of people who knew him during his lifetime. "

"The photographs are by Ted Kandell, and he has more information about them."

Roman Remains in India and China

I've covered this topic before (Rome and the East and Far East of Rome). As has Adrian Murdoch (his most recent post is Roman India: Bet Dwarka and Elephanta). Roman and Greek trade with the East (India and China) is a topic that interests me a great deal, and I am thrilled to see how many news stories are coming out. A Belgian dealer at the Biennale in Paris has a Sassanian incense burner she says was excavated in China, but ... no proof of the provenance ...

This coin in the British Museum was found in the Astana cemetery, near Turfan, north-west China. It dates to the 6th century AD and imitates a Byzantine coin.

Byzantine coins were popular around the world because of their high gold content, to the point where emperors had to try to ban their export. A whole variety of real and imitation Byzantine gold coins have been found in Gansu province in China. Most were excavated in tombs belonging to men whose surname was Shi - Zoroastrian officials, originally from Central Asia, who served under the Tang.

Aurel Stein brought this example back, and there are contemporary records of the burial contents of other tombs at Astana which also mention gold coins (which the Chinese did not have).

From DNA.com:

Roman relics found near Elephanta

by Ninad D Sheth
Friday, September 15, 2006 00:37 IST

New Delhi: The marine branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered Roman artefacts dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries from the inter-tidal zone (the area between the high-tide and low-tide lines) of Elephanta Island.

The find, made last winter, includes artefacts like wine amphorae (vases), pot sheds, storage devices, and stone anchors.

The discovery shows that trade between Rome and India continued much later than previously thought.

Historians believed that the trade, which was conducted via Arabia in the early period of the Roman Empire, declined by the turn of the first millennium.

The discovery indicates that contacts between India and Rome flourished well into the late Roman era.

Alok Tripathi, ASI’s head of underwater archaeology, said, “The entire Maharashtra coast has evidence of Roman contact on a large scale. We are particularly interested in Elephanta, Sindhudurg, Malvan, and Vijaydurg. The Roman artefacts that we have found in Elephanta include some that have survived in excellent condition. The find points to robust trading contact in the late Roman period. This is a first-of-its-kind find on the West Coast.”

The ASI underwater unit plans to carry out fresh excavations in November with the navy. The joint effort will look at sites in Gujarat and Mahabalipuram, besides Elephanta. Come winter and the Indian seas could yield more surprises.

From Indian Express:

ASI to fish out Elephanta island’s Roman links

BHAVNA VIJ-AURORA

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 13 Underwater archaeologists are set to uncover unknown secrets of Elephanta island, buried in the Arabian Sea. Extensive explorations on the island—its shores and the beaches—have revealed a treasure indicating existence of a rich trade with the late Roman Empire during the 4th to 7th century AD.

The findings establish it as a significant port of the period—a fact hitherto unknown. And that people on the west coast liked imported goods and Roman wine. The small island, east of Mumbai, was, so far, best known for its cave temples and rock-cut images, specially of the monolithic elephant which once stood on its southern tip.

With the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) finding late Roman amphorae, coins and sherds of pottery — including red polished ware, black slipped ware, red ware and some gray ware — on Elephanta, the stage is now set for a proper excavation around the island. The finding had come as a surprise, since so far, large number of amphorae were found only in Kanchipuram and Arikamedu.

Amphora is one of the principal vessel shapes in Greek pottery. They are handled pots used to transport a variety of things including olives, cereals, oil, wine, fish and even metal.

Head of ASI’s Underwater Archaeology Wing Dr Alok Tripathi had been quietly exploring the island since 1988, but it’s only in the last two years that extensive explorations were done. The richest site turned out to be the area around village Mora Bandar on the island.

‘‘The discovery of a large variety of amphorae and other antiquities on the island may solve some of the historical riddles,’’ said Tripathi. In addition to indicating continuity of trade with the western world during 5th-7th century AD, the findings may also answer why Chalukya King Pulakesin II of Badami had invaded this small island with a tiny population and limited natural resources in 634 AD.

‘‘We probably know why he did it. Elephanta appears to have been a prosperous island with a thriving trade,’’ said the underwater archaeologist. It is all the more significant since around the same period, the cave temple on the island, enshrining Mahesmurti, was excavated.

Since the explorations had yielded rich treasures, the next logical thing is to undertake detailed survey and excavation. Tripathi said that the area around Mora Bandar is strewn with a large number of potsherds. ‘‘Even the sand on the shore, at the north and the east of the village, is full of potsherds washed away and rolled by the waves,’’ he said.

‘‘We will start excavation in the ongoing field season of 2005-06. Since exploration results have been encouraging, we expect Elephanta to be a rich heritage site,’’ Tripathi added. This is the second site which the wing will excavate, after Mahabalipuram.

From Kerala Online:

Govt to preserve legacy of 'Musiris'

Kodungalloor

Ministers, leading historians and social activists in the state visited the various historical sites and monuments in Kodungalloor and nearby areas and discussed the course of action to be taken to preserve the rich historic legacy of the ancient town, known in ancient times as Musiris.
The historians- K.N. Panikkar, Rajan Gurukkal, Michael Tharakan, P.J. Cherian and M.R. Raghava Varrier,Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac, Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran and the former Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University B. Ekbal were among those who teamed up to take the first step for the unique initiative as a sequel to an announcement made in the State Budget, which had set apart Rs.50 lakh for working out a comprehensive plan to protect the historical heritage of Kodungalloor.

A committee with Dr. Panikkar as chairman was formed to prepare a plan of action and the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) chosen as the nodal agency and the committee would prepare a plan within two months.

The project aims to develop areas of ancient historical importance such as Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple, Cheraman Masjid, Azhikkode Mosque, Kodungalloor Kovilakom, Kottappuram fort, archeological area of Pattanam and the Jewish synagogue in Chendamangalam, and will be implemented with the help of the Union Government.

Kodungalloor was a critical trade link in India's ancient maritime history. It was known as Musiris to Pliny the Elder, who describes it as "primum emporium Indiae".

Roman gold and silver coins bearing impressions of Roman Emperors Tiberius and Nero were discovered in the village of Parur near the town during 2000.

The town was nearly completely destroyed by the Portuguese on September 1, 1504 in retaliation for the Samoothiri Raja's actions against them.

ACV News

Mohammed rides Buraq on the Night Journey

Mohammed is unveiled in today's image, his features clearly visible. The title of the work might sound like an early Islamic version of the red-eye, but clearly Air Buraq did not provide goodie bags with face creams or eye masks.

The Night Journey of Muhammad on His Steed, Buraq;
Leaf from a copy of the Bustan of Sacdi, dated 1514.
Painter: Unknown; Calligrapher: Sultan Muhammad Nur
Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Colors, ink, and gold on paper; 7.5 x 5 in. (19 x 12.7 cm)
Purchase, Louis V. Bell Fund and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1974 (1974.294.2) Metopolitan Museum of Art

Mohammed Ascends to Heaven from Jerusalem

To the left Mohammed, with a flame halo, is shown still alive, in the Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem (he died in 632); to the right he Ascends to Heaven. In the first image his features are shown unveiled; in the second he wears a thin veil, through which one can see his features.

Punjab, 1686; British Library.

The Mosque is the third holiest site of Islam, and one of the oldest mosques - it was built 687 to 691. On the spot of the temple of Solomon, the mosque was briefly an Augustinian church during the Crusades, but has otherwise remained a mosque since its inception. The architecture is still quite Byzantine in style - Islamic architecture had not yet developed - using Byzantine craftsmen to decorate it. The octagonal form tended to be used for a Baptistery or a Martyrium.

Mohammed and Virgins in Paradise

Today's image of Mohammed shows what suicide bombers think they'll get.

Mohammed (no veil, his features clearly visible; with a flame halo) on Buraq, visiting Paradise in the company of the Angel Gabriel. And there he finds the virgins.

Persian, 15th century;
BNF. (Source).

Malik converts to Islam in front of Mohammed

This 19th century Kashmiri manuscript in the British Library shows Malik (as a man), converting in front of Mohammed (gold flame) and his heavily veiled companions.

Buraq carrying Mohammed

Buraq is always depicted with a human face, but here he also has peacock feathers for a tail. Mohammed is heavily veiled, his facial features not visible.

Isfahan, Iran, 1665-1667;
British Library.

The Ascension of Mohammed

This Persian manuscript, circa 1505, shows the influence of Chinese art, brought by the Monghol invasion and capture of Baghdad. Mohammed is shown veiled, but his eyes are visible.

British Library.

Excavated Roman Bikini

Since I've covered depictions of ancient bikinis, I thought I might as well cover this garment that was excavated in London of all places, and is now in the Museum of London. It's made of leather and dates from the first century AD. The 'bikinis' worn in the Piazza Armerina mosaic look more like pieces of cloth wrapped around the women; the London bikini with it's ties looks more like a modern string bikini. Given that London tends not to be bikini-friendly, it has been ascribed to a dancer or acrobat.

Next week: Roman thermal underwear.

Mohammed on his deathbed

Mohammed is still alive, so his face has not been replaced by a flame in this manuscript - the flame is still a halo, and his features are instead covered by a heavy veil.

Ottoman, circa 1600;
British Library.

Should the Elgin Marbles be Returned to Athens?

Should the Elgin Marbles be Returned to Athens? is a very good article by Sean Gabb in Free Life Commentary, an independent journal of comment published on the Internet Issue Number 89 30th January 2003:

At the beginning of the 19th century, Athens was a small town in one of the less orderly and important provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Its inhabitants numbered about a thousand, mostly living in small huts built just below the Acropolis. The glorious buildings of antiquity were all in various states of ruin, some still to be recognised from the descriptions given in Pausanias, others but heaps of overgrown masonry. There was a mosque and a church and various administrative buildings on the Acropolis. The Parthenon had been falling into ever greater ruin since the explosion there in 1687. Those parts of the Erechtheion still not utterly ruined were used to house the seraglio of the Turkish Governor.

The rest can be read here : http://www.seangabb.co.uk/flcomm/flc089.htm

Holy men in paradise

Like Mohammed, there was a ban on depicting Ali, his son-in-law and sucessor. Today's image of Mohammed shows them together in Paradise. Their faces are clearly visible, with no veils. The manuscript was created in the Punjab in 1686, and is now in the British Library.

Mohammed and Ali at Medina

Both Mohammed and Ali are veiled and have flame halos in this very traditional Ottoman image (ca. 1600) - they are visiting their own tombs at Medina. Their companions' faces are shown however, since they are still alive. The scene takes place at night.

British Library.

Mohammed Ascends

A veiled Mohammed Ascends to Heaven in this manuscript from Tabriz (1539-1543). The Chinese influence is visible in the clouds, and in the elaborate flame behind the Prophet's head; the Monghols invaded Iraq and captured Baghdad. They stayed in the area, eventually converting to Islam.

British Library.