Material Object: Slow Looking

The following is a selection of three items relating to the literary portion chosen as well as to the global idea of genies. Where this page focuses on direct description, the next element of the website will highlight their importance and meaning to the context of the thesis. The central object around which the exhibit revolves is the ceramic British Museum jar, and please make sure to click on each object in order to examine the Dublin-Core details.

A tall, cylindrical dark blue jar dating back to the 12th century and measuring 10.80 centimeters in diameter. Although portions of it were made from ceramic material, allowing it to be moulded and glazed, it does have several brass elements that aided in keeping it intact throughout the centuries. The jar carries Kufic inscription and is assumed to have been somehow affiliated with the Seljuq dynasty. Aside from the written inscription, there are also some decorations resembling flowers and other unidentifiable objects along its side. Although it has been at the British Museum since 1983, the jar was found in the Middle East and its first owner post-discovery was Frederick Du Cane Goodman.

Colourfully painted in the Mughal style, the painting presents five jinns in the midst of what seems to be a wild party. Each one has an animal head, different coloured skin, and a scarf that looks as if it flows with their dance. Most are holding musical instruments, and the background does not suggest a specific landmark or even landscape. The margins of the painting have been carefully crafted, with deep indigo dye overtaking a thick portion, as well as golden adornments of large flowers all across. Although made out of paper, the painting has remained well-preserved over the years.

A golden amulet from the days of the Ottoman Dynasty, carrying an Arabic inscription. The inscription is tightly merged together, and says, "I seek refuge with the Lord of men. The King of men, the God of men, from the evil of slinking whisperers, who whispers into the bosoms of men - of jinn and men." The amulet is perfectly round and has some decorations at its edges, although these are less identifiable as they have been worn out with time. The amulet is different from coins or medallions of the time as it is slightly bigger and extremely thin.