Health secretary apologises after accusations of a cover-up by England's health watchdog. 
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Status Symbols
61: Lewis Chessmen
62: Hebrew astrolabe
63: Ife head
64: The David Vases
65: Taino ritual seat -
Status Symbols
61: Lewis Chessmen
62: Hebrew astrolabe
63: Ife head
64: The David Vases
65: Taino ritual seat
Objects have always been used by the wealthy and powerful as status symbols, but such objects could not be created without skilled and knowledgeable craftsworkers. Technological advances during this period fuelled the creation of magnificent objects across the world. Iconic blue-and-white porcelain was first developed in Mongol-ruled China, and went on to be desired across the globe. In Ife, one of the first city-states to arise in West Africa, artists created lifelike sculptures using sophisticated bronze working techniques. Within the Islamic world arts and sciences flourished and European scholars soon benefited from Islamic advances in astronomy, maths and even chess. A ruler’s status in the Caribbean was closely tied to their relationship with their ritual throne.
Shakespeare's Restless World
Neil MacGregor uncovers Shakespeare's world through twenty objects.
