Eleanor Jackson, curator of the British Library’s exhibition on medieval women, and Tasha Marks, an artist known for her sensory creations, dive into the intriguing world of medieval scents. They discuss how smells can access hidden histories and illuminate women's stories from that era. Listeners learn about medieval perfumes, hygiene misconceptions, and the literary contributions of women like Christine de Pizan. The conversation reveals how these sensory experiences challenge stereotypes and connect us to the rich tapestry of the past.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of original texts by medieval women, illustrating their diverse contributions and the importance of their voices in history.
Sensory experiences, particularly through scent, are highlighted as a powerful tool for connecting audiences with the complexities of medieval life and its historical context.
Deep dives
Exploring Medieval Women's Lives
The exhibition focuses on medieval women's lives from 1100 to 1500, highlighting their achievements and challenges. It emphasizes the importance of women's own voices, which have often been silenced throughout history. Notably, the exhibition showcases original texts, including Joan of Arc's signature, which adds authenticity to the portrayal of these women's narratives. This collection demonstrates that women's experiences were diverse and influential in various societal aspects.
The Role of Scent in History
The integration of sensory experiences, particularly scent, plays a crucial role in bringing medieval history to life. Tasha Marks, an artist focused on scents, recreates aromas from the era, allowing visitors to engage with history on a multi-sensory level. This approach not only connects the audience to historical figures like Maria Moriana, who petitioned for her freedom, but also challenges modern perceptions about medieval hygiene and everyday life. Scent serves as a bridge between the past and present, enriching the understanding of historical contexts.
Notable Figures and Their Stories
The exhibition features various notable women, including Christine de Pizan and Marjorie Kemp, each known for their literary contributions and unique perspectives. Christine is recognized as the first professional female author in Europe, advocating for women's equality and moral rights through her writings. Marjorie Kemp's autobiography, notable for its emotional depth and spirituality, showcases the challenges faced by women in expressing their voices. These stories highlight medieval women not merely as passive figures, but as active participants in shaping their narratives.
Challenging Historical Misconceptions
The exhibition aims to challenge the commonly held belief that medieval women were trapped in oppressive roles, revealing instead their agency and diversity in occupations. Research indicates that many women engaged in labor, with documentation showing their work in agriculture and other sectors. The presence of women's voices in history, even if obscured, provides insights into their impactful roles within society, countering the stereotype of the frail, dependent female figure of the past. This challenge to traditional narratives encourages a reevaluation of women’s historical contributions.
Accessing stories from the past can be difficult, but how do we access smells from the past?
In today's episode, Kate is joined by Eleanor Jackson, curator of a new British Library exhibition, Mediaeval Women In Their Own Words, which features original texts about, and by, women from this period.
Whether that's Joan of Arc's signature or a welsh poet who wrote “Lovely bush you are blessed by God above” in her 'Poem to the Vagina'.
Kate's also joined by Tasha Marks, an artist who creates sensory experiences, who has brought to life smells such as medieval hair perfumes to life as part of the exhibition.
This episode was edited by Matt Peaty and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.
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