“At this time, many young Iranians all over this world are watching us, and I imagine them to be very happy. They are happy not just because of an important award, or a film or a filmmaker, but because at the time, in talk of war, intimidation and aggressions exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture — a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country. A people who respect all cultures and civilizations, and despise hostility and resentment.”— Iranian film director ASGHAR FARHADI, on accepting his Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, A Separation (via inothernews)
I have been wanting to see this film for a while now.
36th Toronto International Film Festival. REUTERS/Mark Blinch
This is seriously depressinggggggg.
Albanian Wedding Ensemble, 1890-1910
A rich variety of decoration contributes to the opulence of this ensemble. Couched embroidery, metal ornamentation and a range of textiles from velvet to printed cotton lend it an opulent air. It is particularly notable to have such a complete ensemble in such good condition.
Soooo…I may or may not be related to this guy. Hmm. Okay.
Protection Against the Evil Eye? Votive Offerings on Armenian Manuscript Bindings
Sylvie Merian will explore an unusual type of metal decoration found on a number of Armenian manuscript bindings. These bindings were embellished with odd objects haphazardly attached onto the covers, and sometimes even onto the spine and flap. The items may include coins, crosses, crucifixes, seal stones from personal signet rings, metal belts, jewelry, and small metal repousse objects shaped liked hands, eyes, crescent moons, or human faces. Some of these objects were clearly donated by the faithful as memorials to themselves and their families to express their Christian piety. Others surely functioned as ex-votos. However, this does not fully explain their entire purpose. In view of the ubiquitous belief in evil forces, the evil eye, and malevolent spirits in the Near East, Merian will discuss the use of these objects as apotropaic devices to avert evil, thereby protecting not only the donor but also the religious manuscript itself.
I wish there was more information about this gorgeous book. Sweet Jesus, please tell me this item is up for auction.
Went to a wedding tonight. As usual, I just sat there for most of the night and did nothing. It’s not that I don’t want to dance and feel like I’m having a good time because I do. I just feel held back for some reason. And it’s not just when it comes to dancing. Maybe it’s not even a big deal. I almost never post anything here but I felt like I had to vent.
A girl attends an Orthodox service at St. Catherine in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Moscow, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011.
Sanahin Monastery in the Lori Province of Armenia
Today, I was at a restaurant with my aunt and our waiter was chatting us up and was curious to know what country she came from. She told him she’s from Armenia and he responded with something like, “Oh one of the Baltic states right?” or “Oh in the Baltic.” I thought, brotha you seriously need to brush up on yo world history ASAP.
