FeFinnigan

Art, Art History, and Assorted Odds and Ends

[talaraleya]

I used the woven band for my new bag. The bag itself is done by nålbinding. The band is used to secure the edges. I made two mistakes during weaving but fortunately they will be nearly invisible in the end. Now I need to make another band for the front. I am still not sure which pattern I want to use.

[onefootin1941]

New Amsterdam Theater located in New York City. It was built in 1902–1903

[hippieghost]

This is a tea checkpoint.

Is your tea getting cold?

Did you turn on your kettle and forget about it and now the water is cold again?

Is the tea bag still in?

Did you intend to start the tea making process and forget?

Congratulations! You remember now.

[bolaneno]

the ruins of Mitla, a Zapoctec burial & ceremonial complex in Oaxaca, Mexico

Unique in its array of geometric friezes, Mitla was constructed in approximately 850 A.D.

[ltwilliammowett]

The Phoenicia, built in 2007–2008, is a modern replica of a 600 BC Phoenician merchant ship.

Inspired by ancient shipwreck discoveries near Marseille, the vessel was constructed using traditional methods to recreate the maritime achievements of the Phoenicians—master seafarers who once transported gold from Africa, tin from Britain, and linen from Egypt across the ancient world.

[blueiscoool]

Bronze Age Tombs With Luxury Imported Goods Found in Cyprus

Archaeologists in Cyprus have launched a new excavation season at one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most important Late Bronze Age harbor cities, aiming to shed new light on life, death, and trade during a period of intense maritime exchange.

The work is taking place at Dromolaxia–Vizakia, also known as Hala Sultan Tekke, near the modern city of Larnaca. The excavation is overseen by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus under the Deputy Ministry of Culture. Peter M. Fischer, a professor at the University of Gothenburg, directs this season’s research.

A city shaped by geography and trade

Hala Sultan Tekke was founded around 1650–1630 B.C., during the transition from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age. Over time, it developed into a large urban center covering at least 25 hectares. The city flourished for nearly five centuries before it was destroyed and abandoned around 1150 B.C., a period marked by widespread upheaval across the eastern Mediterranean.

Its location on Cyprus’ southern coast gave it access to a well-protected harbor. From there, goods moved between the Aegean, Anatolia, the Levant, and Egypt. Earlier excavations have revealed large quantities of imported pottery, metals, and luxury goods, indicating an economy based on long-distance maritime trade.

Focus shifts to the cemetery beyond the city walls

The 2025 excavation season focused on a cemetery outside the main urban area, known as Area A. The location was selected based on geophysical surveys and surface investigations that indicated buried structures linked to human activity.

Excavations uncovered several features affected by erosion and later agricultural use, including a long-abandoned well and two chamber tombs dating to the 14th century B.C. Researchers say these discoveries provide important evidence for understanding both daily life and ritual practice beyond the city walls.

Saline groundwater explains the abandoned well

A modern borehole drilled next to the ancient well revealed highly saline groundwater at a depth of about 10 meters, or 33 feet. Archaeologists say the poor water quality would have made the well unsuitable for use. This finding supports the conclusion that the structure was abandoned in antiquity, long before the city’s final destruction.

Collapsed tombs preserve rare burial evidence

The two-chamber tombs told a different story. Their roofs collapsed in ancient times, damaging some objects but sealing the chambers from later disturbance. This accidental sealing protected the burial contexts from looting and erosion.

Inside, archaeologists documented carefully arranged burials and associated grave goods. The preserved layout allows researchers to study how the dead were placed, which objects were included, and how funerary rituals were organized during the Late Bronze Age.

Imported goods reveal far-reaching connections

The tombs yielded a wide range of artifacts, including finely made local pottery, tools, and personal ornaments. Of particular importance was a rich assemblage of imported objects that reflects the city’s deep involvement in international trade.

Luxury pottery arrived from mainland Greece, including Berbati and Tiryns, as well as from Crete and other Aegean islands. Ivory objects and finely worked calcite vessels originated in Egypt. Even more distant connections were evident through lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, carnelian from western India, and amber from the Baltic region, some shaped into beads and a scarab.

Researchers say these materials could only have reached Cyprus through complex trade routes mediated by major Bronze Age cultures.

By Nisha Zahid.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

Making a book holster for my steampunk logbook.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

Book holster done!

It’s not GOOD because I’m not yet actually good at leather working, but it’s functional, which is the important part, and making Not Good stuff is the first step in the road to making Good stuff.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

That is… not her food bowl.

Also, note that HER food bowl is completely and freshly filled. She is CHOOSING to steal the dog’s food because she CAN.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

Making a book holster for my steampunk logbook.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

I made this necklace quite a while ago; it’s been hiding in the back of my ( admittedly rather large) jewelry box, but I recently pulled it back out, and I think it needs more attention. ( damn, that was a lot of conjunctions)

Anyway, check on High School me’s first steampunk necklace. It was actually pretty easy to make- I thrifted the watch, removed the watch guts, and cut off half the watch face. Then I glued random metal bits to a washer about the same size as the watch case, and put it in behind the face, where the watch movement had just recently been living. Closed the whole thing up, and added some more rusted washers, random gears, and chain from the hardware store.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

Im making a bag to go with the Lolita dress Im also making for a friend. We’re going to the Chicago Steampunk Expo in a couple weeks :3

[snowleopardcatdragon]

The bag is finished!

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Bronze and Crystal Sword from China, c.450-250 BCE: the hilt of this sword was crafted from rock crystal, turquoise, and gold

This sword is more than 2,200 years old. The elaborate hilt was carved from a piece of rock crystal and then embellished with turquoise stones and intricate patterns of inlaid gold.

Above: a close-up of the ornately-decorated hilt

The blade itself was forged from bronze, and it has a greenish-blue patina that was naturally produced over time.

Above: some of the damage and discoloration on the blade

As this article explains:

This bronze sword from the Warring States period stands as a testament to engineering and artistic excellence. Meticulously detailed, the sword features a slender, formidable blade that would have delighted its owner both in battle and aesthetically.

However, the true star of this sword lies in its exquisitely decorated hilt. Adorned with inlays of rock crystal, turquoise, and gold, the hilt showcases the remarkable technical and artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. These precious materials not only enhance the sword’s visual appeal but likely communicate the status and affluence of its owner.

The sword’s intricate craftsmanship and use of rare materials suggest it was likely commissioned by a wealthy and influential individual, such as a high-ranking military commander or an aristocratic elite.

Sources & More Info:

History, News, and Archaeology: The Jeweled Sword of Ancient China

Brewminate: Metallurgical Evolution in Ancient China

Britannica: The Warring States Period

[morningwitchy]

iron on patches are coming may 15th for presale! :)

i put up the velvet night patches for preview so you guys can get an idea of pricing, size, and how the sets will more or less work - see it here

magnolia sets will be teased really soon!

[morningwitchy]

patches are now available!

[snowleopardcatdragon]

Im making a bag to go with the Lolita dress Im also making for a friend. We’re going to the Chicago Steampunk Expo in a couple weeks :3

[snowleopardcatdragon]

I made a thing!

Copper bracelet with bloodstone and raw crystal with green sapphire.

I had this lump of raw crystal of some kind ( probably quartz) and also a square green sapphire. It so happened that the crystal had little notch the sapphire fit into perfectly. Who am I to argue with such things? A little bit of epoxy holds the two together,

[victusinveritas]

[the-big-mood]