Image: Ann Wuyts via Wiki Commons
About This Quiz
Evolution is part of human nature. And as a consequence, the mind also changes. We are curious and innovative – maybe not at the level of Einstein – but every human has thought of at least one idea and one innovation. Some thought about formal or religious occasions to celebrate a specific event.
Today, we turn to artifacts, or objects made by humans that relate to cultural or historical interest, to study the reasoning behind this and learn more about the way humans thought, behaved and changed over time. More interestingly, many of the artifacts relate back to ceremonies, giving us a glimpse and a chance to understand how cultures and societies revered these. Some artifacts are made of simple clay. Others have beautiful material woven into them, such as silk and gold.
Artifacts are not just limited to precious metals or expensive jewels encrusted with diamonds. These objects can be as lavish as they can be austere. For example, would you ever think of an umbrella as an artifact? Or a robe? What about a hat? There are many artifacts around the world, all of which are beautiful and interesting. Do you think you can name all of these artifacts on the list? Give it a try!
Hamsa
Star of David
Prayer Wheel
True Cross
These are used as a symbol in Christianity. Churches across the world have crosses for followers who want to worship.
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Statutes of saints
Buddha sculpture
These statues were first seen in the first century. Many Buddhist practices require followers to visualize a particular Buddha in order to receive that Buddha’s blessings.
Murti
Snaketivity
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The Holy Grail
It is said Joseph of Arimathea later used the cup to collect Jesus’s blood at his crucifixion. Today, many Christian denominations utilize a similar object as a standing cup used to hold sacramental wine during the Eucharist.
The Font
Natla
Kapala
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Vase
Clay pot
Ring-kernos
This piece’s provenance is from Cyprus and it dates back to 600-480 B.C. Currently, this piece can be found in New York’s Met Museum.
Clay tray
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The Book of the Dead
This book describes the journey to the afterlife. It was used as a funerary text and it consists mainly of incantations that are believed to help a dead person’s journey to the underworld.
The Book of the Opening Mouth
The Rosetta Stone
The Records of the Past
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Antique Kutani
Egyptian Isis
Ancient Mayan
Sumerian statuette
These statuettes were placed in sanctuaries as offerings. If a temple was to be rebuilt, they would be buried.
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Four-horned incense altar
Sometimes it was used for animal sacrifices. The altar served for offerings made with wine, incense and grain meal mixed with oil.
Tabernacle
Ashtray
Censer
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Prayer beads
Conch shell
Prayer bell
Prayer wheel
The cylindrical wheel is on a spindle often made of metal, coarse cotton or other materials. It has the Om Manu Padme Hum mantra written around it.
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Ghanta and Vajra
These objects are used during a ceremony and are rung to request protection. The two objects mainly come together.
Butter lamp
Dorje
Tibetan drum
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Gawu box
Tibetan prayer beads
These are also known as Malas, the original Sanskrit word. They can be worn wrapped around wrists or left dangling from fingers.
Dorje
Tabernacle
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Censer
Antique Kutani
Gawu box
Singing bowls
The bowls are believed to clear the mind. They are used during meditation to invoke a state of relaxation when used to produce mellow musical tones.
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Quipu
Quipus are also called ‘talking knots.’ These were used as recording devices in the region of Andrean South America. It consisted of colored, spun threads or strings from llama or alpaca hair.
Yanacona
Aribalo
Unku
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The Torah
Kiddush cup
Natla cup
This cup was used for ritual washing. According to Jewish law, you must ritually wash your hands prior to eating bread and when waking up in the morning.
Menorah
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Parfleche
Ceremonial pipe
Ceremonial pipes were used by several Native American cultures. The pipes were smoked to offer prayers, as part of a ceremonial commitment or to seal a treaty.
Atlatl
Prayer stick
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Cross
Tabernacle
Baptismal font
A baptismal font holds holy water. During the baptismal ceremony, a priest blesses the candidate as part of the ceremony of Christian initiation.
Biretta
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Censer
It’s a vessel used to burn incense. The censer is swung on chains during religious ceremonies.
Chalice
Font
Hassock
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Plate
Tabernacle
The tabernacle, usually locked, is where churches keep the Eucharist. In some churches, the Eucharist is kept in an ambry, a less visible container set into a wall.
Psalter
Sacrament
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The sacrament
Psalter
Stigmata
Dikiron and trikirion
The dikiron and trikirion are candlesticks used by the Eastern Orthodox and Easter Catholic churches. When translated, dikiron means “dual candle” and trikirion means “triple candle.”
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Stoop
Flabellum
The flabellum is made of different materials, including silk, parchment or feathers. These were used to protect consecrated Body and Blood of Christ, as well as the priest, from insects.
Rood screen
Hassock
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Sceptre
Orb
Ceremonial mace
Maces originated in the ancient Near East. Today, several countries still use maces during ceremonies. For example, the UK’s House of Commons can only carry session lawfully once the mace is present at the table.
Jousting weapon
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The Ampulla
The sovereign’s scepters
St. Edwards Crown
This piece was named after Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leading figure to place this crown on a monarch’s head during the crowning ceremony.
The orb
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The orb
Sword of Mercy
This sword is used during the coronation of British kings and queens. The sword is considered to be part of the UK’s Crown Jewels.
Sword of Offering
Sword of State
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Crown Jewels of Austria
Crown Jewels of Scotland
Crown Jewels of France
Crown Jewels of the UK
The Crown Jewels of the UK can be distinguished from others by their prominent piece, St. Edward’s Crown. These can be seen (under armed guard) in the Tower of London.
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Derby
Cap of Maintenance
This cap is a symbol of the British sovereign and carried before the monarch during State Opening of Parliament. It is made of crimson velvet and lined with ermine.
Fez
Tudor bonnet
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Imperial Crown of Russia
This crown was used by the Russian monarchs until the abolition in 1917. Currently, the crown can be viewed on display in the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow.
British Imperial State Crown
Crown of Saint Wenceslas
Heraldic Crown of Egypt
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The Holy Jewel Yasakani no magatama
Holy Mirror Yata no kagami
Kusanagi
Kusanagi was originally known as Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, which translates to “Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds.” The sword represents virtue and courage.
Joyeuse
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Purple surcoat
Imperial Robe of purple velvet
Royal Robe
Parliament Robe
This robe is also known as the Robe of State. It is the first robe used during coronation. It must be worn on entry to Westminster Abbey and later at State Openings of Parliament.
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Crown of Christian IV
Imperial Crown of Brazil
This crown was manufactured in 1841, replacing the first crown made for the first Brazilian emperor. It weighs approximately 4 pounds and can currently be found in the Imperial Museum of Brazil.
Crown of Napoleon
Spanish Royal Crown
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Pallium Regale
Armilla
Purple surcoat
Anointing gown
This gown is to be worn during the anointing ceremony of the British Coronation. It is worn like a coat and can be fastened on the back.
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Colobium Sindonis
Colobium Sindonis is shroud tunic in Latin. It is a white pleated dress worn during the British coronation symbolizing humility.
Armilla
Royal Robe
Supertunica
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Great Crown of Victory
Royal Nine-tiered umbrella
One of the most sacred and anciet regalia of Thailand, the Royal Nine-Tired Umbrella is made with white silk and trimmed with gold. The coronation rites must be completed in order for the new king to sit under the umbrella.
Sword of Victory
Royal Staff
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Great Crown of Victory
The Great Crown of Victory is part of the Thailand Regalia. It is 26 inches high and weighs 16 pounds.
Crown of Tonga
Ruthenian Crown
Crown of Rus
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Cassock
Alb
Pallium
The pallium is worn by the pope. By tradition, when a pope dies, he is buried with the last pallium he wore.
Chasuble
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Serpentine paten
It is believed it used to be of Abbot Suger. The serpentine paten was once used during the coronation of queens.
Brooch of Saint Louis
The Regent Diamond
Holy Ampulla
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Chasuble
The chasuble is primarily used in the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches. It is the outermost vestment worn by the priest, over the alb and stole.
Murphy robes
Miltres
Slabbinck
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Cosmetic palette
These cosmetic palettes were made mainly of siltstone. Later in time, the purpose of these turned more ceremonial and commemorative rather than what they were original made for.
Narmer Palette
Lybian Palette
Battlefield Palete
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Biretta
Galero
Papal tiara
Miter
Miters are worn usually by the priests in the Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican churches. The bishop piece in chess was designed after a Western miter.
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