#Artifact Crafting

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

2,300-Year-Old Plush Bird from the Altai Mountains of Siberia, c.400-300 BCE: this figure was crafted with a felt body and reindeer-fur stuffing, all of which remains intact

This plush bird was sealed within the frozen barrows of Pazyryk, Siberia, for more than two millennia, where a unique microclimate enabled it to be preserved. The permafrost ice lense formation that runs below the barrows provided an insulating layer, preventing the soil from heating during the summer and allowing it to quickly freeze during the winter; these conditions produced a separate microclimate within the stone walls of the barrows themselves, thereby aiding in the preservation of the artifacts inside.

This is just one of the many well-preserved artifacts that have been found at Pazyryk. These artifacts are attributed to the Scythian/Altaic cultures.

Currently housed at the Hermitage Museum.

[cuubism]

you guys know about the hobby lobby smuggling scandal right

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

cnetizens post souvenir they got at various chinese museums

these are all fridge stickers

[ziseviolet]

Hi love ya blog! I’ve been wondering how effective were the coir rain jackets?

Hi! Thanks for loving my blog, and sorry for taking ages to reply! (image via)

Chinese rain capes/raincoats are called 蓑衣/suoyi, and they are mainly made from local materials - in southern China, straw and coir grass are mostly used, as well as brown hair and brown leaves; in the north, thatch and cattail grass are mostly used. It takes about two to three days to make a suoyi by hand. They are typically worn with bamboo hats called 斗笠/douli.

Below - Ming dynasty illustration of a suoyi and douli (x):

Suoyi has a long history, originating before the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC). Although I haven't worn one myself, sources state that they were very effective. Compared with umbrellas, suoyi was not only better at keeping out the rain, but also freed up the two hands to work. Farmers liked to wear it on rainy days, and fishermen often wore it when fishing during rainy and snowy days. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people travelling during the rainy season usually brought along suoyi (source).

Below - 19th-century late Qing dynasty suoyi made of palm and straw fiber, plus bamboo douli and basket (1, 2):

The tradition of working in the wind and rain wearing suoyi and douli continued until the late 1960s in China, after which they were gradually replaced with modern rain gear. Today, suoyi has become more of a tourist souvenir and decorative object than a practical item. Nevertheless, it can still be seen being worn by some elderly farmers and fisherman.

Below - a cormorant fisherman wearing suoyi and douli in Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi (x):

I highly recommend reading the following article for more information on suoyi's history, craftsmanship, and current status: Suoyi: RuCai Lyu’s rain cape and its ongoing tradition of protection.

For additional references, please see my suoyi tag.

If anyone has more info, please share! ^^

Hope this helps!

[changan-moon]

chinese lantern with history over one hundred years in 东阳dongyang, jinhua, zhejiang province by 橘涂初四

[the-cricket-chirps]

Food serving vessel (dui)

China

early 6th century BCE

[rraaaarrl]

"An Unexpected Wedding Guest" (2024)

part of my series of inexplicable crossovers

[uncanny-tranny]

Part of why I think it's important to pick up a skill that requires challenge or skill is not only that it can be a great experience to have, but it teaches you so many things you never expected.

I've realized the reason I feel ancient crocheting is that this is a skill humans have been doing for thousands of years: textiling, cloth-making, and creating. Technology is amazing, don't get me wrong, but I think many people take for granted what technology has done for us, and we forget sometimes that these skills take work and effort, and continuous effort!

It doesn't matter what you pick up as a skill or craft, and you absolutely should do it in a way that accommodates you, but finding a skill or craft and doing it will teach you things you never considered.

[afkintheark]

Finally found a spot I fell in love with on Reverence, so tonight I built my house!

I am loving BTT just for the auto doors and those big windows. The rest is nice too, I guess. XD

As is my usual, crafting is all downstairs. Whenever I feel like it I'm gonna make upstairs into a nice living area with some fireplaces and a lot of furniture. \o/

Got water and electricity going already and I built the greenhouse before I called it quits, so now he just needs some sort of breeding barn and then it'll be done. Whoo. \o/

[beaulesbian]

They may call it a Summer palace, but it’s actually three different structures joined together. The cathedral is at the top. No way in there except from the palace itself. Below that, the whole place is a maze of secret passages, easy to get lost in. And it’s all built atop a sealed temple to the Old Gods.

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Ancient Necklace with Mosaic Glass Beads, from the Eastern Mediterranean, c.100 BCE-100 CE: this necklace is composed of 30 glass beads, most of which are decorated with stylized faces

From the John Paul Getty Museum:

The beads are made of multi-colored opaque glass and are decorated with heads and floral designs. The necklace is in good condition; some beads are chipped or cracked.

The exact origin of this piece is unknown, but it can be traced back to the Eastern Mediterranean, where it was likely made by a Greek or Roman artist.

Each bead has a width of about 1.2cm (roughly half an inch); they're decorated with remarkably intricate details, and each face is depicted in its own unique style.

Sources & More Info:

John Paul Getty Museum: Necklace with Mosaic Glass Beads

[ceruleanfuckup]

I'm so excited for my D&D campaign

[electric-plants]

please marechaussee hunter domain sir just one single attack sands please just ONE

[axolotlelle]

baby's a scholar now

[thesorceresstemple]

[seashorepics]

Day 29: Guatemalan Wooden Masks: Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Cultural Inspiration

— Introduction Guatemalan wooden masks are vibrant artifacts that embody the culture, history, and artistic expression of the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, these masks have served many purposes in religious rituals, celebrations, and storytelling, providing an intimate glimpse into the cultural identity of Guatemala. Whether used in traditional dances or…