History of art slade lecture series 2014-15 - Prof Mary Miller
Mon 19 January 2015 - Mon 9 March 2015
Mill Lane Lecture Rooms
From figurines to ceramic vessels to the painted book, the ancient Maya of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras crafted fine works that were designed to be held in the hand, and that could be seen and understood only at that distance—the arm’s length, not more. In this series of lectures, Professor Mary Miller will bring the viewer nose-to-nose with these objects, interpreting how they were used and looking at the practices of facture and replication, as well as the meanings embedded in them, both in their use and in their final engagement, often deposition in the Maya tomb. Among the materials to be considered are Jaina figurines, in the context of what can now be recognized as a much broader figurine tradition; the ceramic vessel, with consideration of how such works are “read,” that is to say, reading order; Maya books, with attention to questions surrounding the Grolier Codex; precious “bling,” from jade and turquoise to gold, and particularly the 18 repoussé gold disks of Chichen Itza. Throughout the lecture series, Professor Miller will attend to the question of the question of the replica, the copy, and the multiple, all while keeping the social life of objects—their life in household and community—in clear consideration.
19 January: The social life of the hand-held object among the ancient Maya. Introduction: the how, what and where of the hand-held object
26 January: Making the turn: ceramic vessels in hand
2 February: Holding sound, seeing music
9 February: The body within, the body without: Maya figurines from Jaina and beyond
16 February: The replica, the set, the imitation: hand-held objects in multiples
23 February: Precious things, from jade and turquoise to gold
2 March: Bones and bodies: conjuring the part from the whole
9 March: The further social life of objects: heirlooms through time; exchange across geography
Cost: Free
Enquiries and booking
No need to book.
The event is free of charge and it is not necessary to book places in order to attend.
Enquiries: Francé Davies Website Email: fc295@cam.ac.uk Telephone: 01223 332975
Timing
All times
Mon 19 January 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 26 January 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 2 February 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 9 February 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 16 February 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 23 February 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 2 March 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Mon 9 March 2015 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Venue
Address: | Mill Lane Lecture Rooms Lecture Room 3 8 Mill Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1RW UK |
Map |