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A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD)

Logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD)

From Mexico to Easter Island, the followers of many world religions used objects to become closer to their gods. Neil MacGregor finds five such devotional items

logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Hoa Hakananai'a Easter Island Statue
A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Hoa Hakananai'a Easter Island Statue

Neil MacGregor discusses one of the most instantly recognisable sculptures in the world: one of the giant stone heads that were made on Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean.

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logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Holy Thorn Reliquary
A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Holy Thorn Reliquary

Neil MacGregor examines an object designed to connect with Christ himself: a stunning Christian reliquary from medieval Europe made to house a thorn from the crown of thorns.

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logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Icon of the Triumph of Orthodoxy
A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Icon of the Triumph of Orthodoxy

Neil MacGregor tells the story of an icon from Constantinople celebrating the restoration of holy images at the end a period of religious iconoclasm.

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logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Shiva and Parvati Sculpture
A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Shiva and Parvati Sculpture

Neil MacGregor discusses a magnificent stone sculpture showing the powerful deity Shiva with his consort Parvati seated on his knee.

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logo for A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Statue of Huastec Goddess
A History of the World in 100 Objects - Meeting The Gods (1200 - 1400 AD) - Statue of Huastec Goddess

Neil MacGregor examines a striking sandstone sculpture of a goddess made by the Huastec people of present day Mexico associated with sexuality and fertility.

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