Publisher's Synopsis
The author and artist began collecting small carvings as a child in the 1960's. Only later did he begin to research the religious and cultural meaning behind many of these objects. He began doing a series of paintings of these as well as objects in other collections. The objects, all by anonymous artists, span six thousand years. They are described and put into context as they migrate from their original cultic and religious purpose to their presence in modern day collections. Finally, so as not to be accused of cultural appropriation (though the intent is cultural appreciation and apprehension) the author addresses his own culture which traditionally disdained the veneration of objects but venerates words. Thus an essay called, "The Talmud, a Brief Travelogue" is included, which discusses history, the Bible, and religion in a contemporary and entertaining way.
