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  3. A History of the World in 100 Objects
  4. Status Symbols (1200 - 1400 AD)

Status Symbols (1200 - 1400 AD)

Neil MacGregor explores this period of learning and scientific achievement through magnificent objects which were used by the wealthy to reflect their status

Programmes:
on BBC iPlayer (5)
Previous programmes:
by year (5)

Available now on BBC iPlayer

  1. Listen to the latest programme

    Taino Ritual Seat

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    Available since Fri, 2 Jul 2010.

    5/5. Neil MacGregor tells the story of a ritual seat from a lost Caribbean culture.

  2. Also available

    1. The David Vases

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      Available since Fri, 14 Jan 2011.

      4/5. Neil MacGregor examines a pair of porcelain vases from Yuan dynasty China.

    2. Ife Head

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      Available since Fri, 14 Jan 2011.

      3/5. Neil MacGregor examines a magnificent brass head from the African city of Ife.

    3. Hebrew Astrolabe

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      Listen now (15 minutes)

      Available since Tue, 29 Jun 2010.

      2/5. Neil MacGregor examines an extraordinary astronomical instrument.

    4. Lewis Chessmen

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      Listen now (15 minutes)

      Available since Mon, 28 Jun 2010.

      1/5. Neil MacGregor examines a board game found in the Outer Hebrides.

Featured

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.

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