A History of the World in Artefacts 2: Throne of Weapons

It occurred to me, when writing my article on Cairo’s historical treasures, that perhaps I should articulate a series of posts that reflect my love and understanding of history. History is something I know well, although I am no true expert, and I therefore have a hand to lend in talking to you of all that I know. Thus, I will give you a rundown of the objects from history that I believe set themselves apart from all others. Those which, in my humble opinion, have special significance amongst myriad other riches.

For this item, we are jumping a century forward from the golden belt buckle in my last post. As you may be able to tell from the image, we are looking at the Throne of Weapons. It is the work of Cristovao Canhavato, a resident of Mozambique himself, and has been described as the British Museum’s most eloquent object.

I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment; however, the throne sends a powerful message to those who observe it. Constructed with firearms recycled from across the world, the chair draws its viewer into an undeniable acceptance of how globalisation has cashed the cheques of warmongers and arms dealers on a scale hitherto undreamt of.

The guns themselves reflect those which were purchased across the world and flooded into Mozambique to arm both sides in a bloody conflicted which lasted over 15 years. The several AK-47s which are incorporated in the chair are, of course, given special significance because Mozambique’s national flag displays the very same weapon. The chair’s power is also given added impetus when you realise that chairs have a strong cultural significance in Mozambique, and others of Africa. The chair is a symbol of power.

In my opinion, although I do not believe it to be a radical one, this ‘throne’ reinforces the sentiment that the road to reaching power, and the history of the world in so many ways, has been paved with the bodies of those who have succumbed to extreme violence. From the Roman Empire, through to the 100 years war, and onto multiple campaigns of terror which have served to define the 21^st century, human history is a catalogue of events in which one has taken power from another by means of violence.

Whatever the chair means to you, I’m sure you’ll agree that it deserves a place as one of the most powerful and significant pieces of art in recent history.

A History of the World in Artefacts 1: The Sutton Hoo Gold Belt Buckle

It occurred to me, when writing my article on Cairo’s historical treasures, that perhaps I should articulate a series of posts that reflect my love and understanding of history. History is something I know well, although I am no true expert, and I therefore have a hand to lend in talking to you of all that I know. Thus, I will give you a rundown of the objects from history that I believe set themselves apart from all others. Those which, in my humble opinion, have special significance amongst myriad other riches.

I think that there is no better place to start this journey than on the fair isle I grew up, and with the first item which piqued my interest in all historical things.

My family used to holiday in a caravan in Suffolk, with my cousins and grandparents also on site, and on occasion my father would drive us down to Sutton, near Woodbridge. A lackadaisical security guard would even allow me to run all over the great grass mounds, under which were once buried treasures that would make the eyes of most men water. Nowadays, a combination of health and safety regulations, and justified rules for the sake of preservation, wouldn’t allow such activity, but the place will live long in my memory.

Amongst the many finely crafted pieces buried in the mounds of Sutton Hoo, one has always been my favourite. It is not the helmet, as you might presume, but the great gold belt buckle instead. The entire surface is decorated with zoomorphic interlace, so carefully completed that you might have thought it was cut by machine. The interlace is a combination of snakes, predatory birds, and long-limbed beasts, all wrapped around one another in eternal embrace.

Three golden orbs protrude from the surface and bring stark simplicity to an otherwise crowded surface. At the bottom of the buckle, there is a locking mechanism which takes the workmanship to another level and gives the buckle additional functionality.

Aside from the cosmetics of this piece, the historical significance of the entire hoard should not be underestimated. Across the site, which included a wooden ship burial, and even a silver plate from the Byzantine Empire, we can see how cultures across Europe were distinctly interconnected, even during the dark ages. Moreover, there may well be added in significance in who was buried at the site but, in all honesty, we still do not know who those people were at present. Perhaps in the future this mystery may be unlocked, although it looks increasingly unlikely.

All in all, this gold belt buckle is an Anglo-Saxon piece, dating from the early 7^th century, with absolutely no equal, and the site as a whole is one of incalculable international significance. Should you ever have the distinct pleasure of visiting the British Museum to see this artefact, or Sutton Hoo itself, both are well worth a gander.

Lockdown Reads 3: Shoe Dog

I’ve decided to write a series of short recommendations/critiques/summaries of my favourite books. These are titles you can perhaps purchase on one day delivery, or Amazon audible, to keep you busy during these uncertain times.

We’re back to non-fiction for this one. I will start with a quick disclaimer this time around. I’ve never actually read Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog, but I have listened to it on Audible a couple of times.

I will say, if you start listening to the audiobook, you might be warded off by Phil Knight’s introduction. I know, from some of my friends who have been in the car when I put on his dulcet tones, that his voice is not to everyone’s taste. I’ll tell you right now though, he doesn’t stick to narration for any longer than the introduction so skip that if necessary.

The book itself details the rise of then shoe start-up, and now fitness giant, Nike. From humble origins in sleepy Oregon to lucrative international deals with superstar athletes the world over, Phil Knight’s autobiography details the meteoric rise of his company.

The book is, however, much more than a simple rags to riches tale. There is much to be gleaned, if you treat the book as something of a self-help guide, from its founder’s consistent exuberance and unshakeable faith in his vision for Nike. I read the book for inspiration when I was raising capital for my own start-up and found it to be a fountain of information, particularly on how to be a good founder and a great human being.

Shoe Dog is a really interesting autobiography that lends itself to a much wider audience than just potential founders of startups. If you have an ambitious bone in your body, there is much to learn from Phil Knight’s life and I can’t recommend it enough.

Lockdown Reads 1: Freakonomics

I’ve decided to write a series of short recommendations/critiques/summaries of my favourite books. These are titles you can perhaps purchase on one day delivery, or Amazon audible, to keep you busy almost immediately during these uncertain times.

My first book recommendation would have to be Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Stephen Levitt. I hope I don’t lose anybody with this recommendation because Freakonomics is a tad unconventional to say the least. It’s a non-fiction read which has been described as a melding of pop culture with economics.

The book claims, rather grandiosely, that it ‘explores the hidden side of everything’. While it may not quite do that, I’ve never read a book, cover to cover, quite as quickly as Freakonomics. I was first made aware of it back when I watched suits and the fledging lawyer, Mike Ross, referenced the book by saying. “A person is more likely to die while dealing drugs than on death row in Texas”.

It’s off the wall takes like these, explained with analysis of huge tracts of data, that give you sociological insights into a range of topics that you may never been exposed to.

From studies on the economics of drug dealing and the socioeconomic patterns of how parents name their children, to the way in which school teachers and sumo wrestlers have cheated their respective systems, Freakonomics is the perfect tool to help you cultivate your inquisitive nature, or sharpen the minds of your loved ones with intellectual discussion.

It’s not a difficult read but it will require your full attention.  I promise once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down though!