Wax lambs, feather saints and bezoar stones: Spiritual economies of material exchange between Rome and New Spain (1570–1600)
This paper examines the exchange of a small repertoire of physical materials between Rome and New Spain through Jesuit networks at the end of the sixteenth century. We follow the circulation of wax Agnus Dei disks blessed by the pope; of feather paintings made by indigenous artists in New Spain; and of bezoar stones obtained by Jesuit priests in the New World for the European medical market. Focused on the Jesuit mission at Puebla, the paper examines how value was assigned to physical materials and how they were incorporated into processes of cross-cultural exchange. The paper suggests that the production of value in Christian objects was part of a broader system of colonial exchange that did not observe strict boundaries between the sacred and the profane.
Speaker:
PAUL NELLES | Carleton University, Ottawa
Cycle of seminars: “Tavola ovale di storia moderna”
Scientific coordination:
Massimo Rospocher (FBK-ISIG)
Sandra Toffolo (FBK-ISIG)
The initiative is valid for the purposes of the right/duty to fulfill the obligation of teachers to keep up to date as provided for in the current contractual agreements of the school sector.
The talk will be held in English.
The presentation will be in-person in the FBK Aula Piccola while seats last and online.
Registration by January 20, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. is required in order to arrange the connection.
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Image: Biblioteca FBK s-ar 2-B-04 [1]
Credits: Andrea Franceschini
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