Circulating Baraka: Relics as Images across Eras of Mechanical Reproduction

Talk

WHEN January 19, 2016
6:30-8 PM WHERE NYUAD Campus, Conference Center WHO NYU Abu Dhabi Institute Open to the Public

Although the role of relics in Islam has often been contested, in many parts of the Islamic world images of the relic of the Prophet Muhammad’s sandal still circulate in a wide variety of media. These images are sometimes said to convey the baraka (blessing) of the Prophet. For centuries, tracings made from the original relic were copied in their turn from Morocco in the west to India in the east. Surprisingly, perhaps, the copying and dissemination of the relic as image were seen as amplifying rather than diminishing its aura and efficacy. This lecture will suggest that, far from rupturing a centuries-old tradition of copying and circulation, the advent of modern technologies of reproduction, such as lithography and photography, enabled its ultimate fulfillment.

Hosted by
  • NYU Abu Dhabi Institute

Join our events mailing lists

Always be the first to know about what's going on in our community. Sign up for one of our newsletters and receive information on a wide variety of events such as exhibition, lectures, films, art performances, discussions and conferences.

Join The Arts Center events mailing list Join The Institute events mailing list Join The Art Gallery events mailing list Join The StartAD events mailing list