2024 Programme
Event #23
Sunday 1 September, 12.15 pm
Teatro degli Impavidi2 - euro 4.50
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Maria Giuseppina Muzzarelli
A pearl to say thank you
In both the West and the East, pearls finally land on women's bodies —and not only— after a long journey marked by hardships and exploitation, but also by discoveries, fruitful exchanges, unique craftsmanship, and fascinating representations. When examined closely, they reveal countless stories: from Shah Jahan (17th century), who, after recovering from an illness, pierces his ear and hangs a pearl in gratitude to the saint who healed him, to Lucrezia Borgia (16th century), who sells a pearl and a ruby to raise buffalo and produce mozzarella. There is also the story of 15th century child brides, who wore pearls around their necks for only a few years, provided they survived the constant pregnancies. This story is not only about beauty, but also about life, death and gratitude.
Maria Giuseppina Muzzarelli has taught Medieval History, History of Cities and History and Cultural Heritage of Fashion at the University of Bologna. She is interested in the history of culture and the mentality of society, and particularly in women's roles and functions and in material history. She is part of the scientific committee of the programme “Passato e Presente” (Rai 3). Her most recent books include: “A capo coperto. Storie di donne e di veli” (il Mulino, 2016), “Le regole del lusso. Apparenza e vita quotidiana dal Medioevo all’età moderna” (il Mulino, 2020), “Madri, madri mancate, quasi madri. Sei storie medievali” (Laterza, 2021), “Le vie italiane della seta” (il Mulino, 2022), “Tutte le perle del mondo. Storie di viaggi, scambi e magnifici ornamenti” (with L. Molà and G. Riello, il Mulino, 2023).
Event #43extraFestival
Minotauro Institute, with Loredana Cirillo and Filippo Rosa
Thank you! What we have never told our children and students
