banjo playing archaeologist with interests in craftsmanship, art, music, leatherwork, minimalism, low-tech solutions, pre-industrial society
primary blog is at http://paleotool.com
“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
Detail of a wall carving from the Mastaba of Akhethotep, who was senior court official during the rules of
Djedkare Isesi and Unas. Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty, ca. 2494-2345 BC. Saqqara Necropolis.
Bronze statuette of Cybele on a cart drawn by lions, Roman, 2nd half of 2nd century CE. MET (ID: 97.22.24).
The group represents the cult image of the goddess Cybele enthroned on a cart drawn by two lions. Spouts formerly projecting from the open mouths of the lions. The original cart, harness, and throne no longer survive. The rear left wheel is a 19th century restoration. (MET)
