For as long as humanity has attempted artistic expression of the world around it, the animal kingdom has been a primary object of this expression. The types of animals used by the ancients as models for their creative outlet can reflect not only the type of animals present in a particular culture, but also the way in which that culture related to various animal species. Which animals played a role of ritual life? Which were essential cogs in the economic machinery of the day? Fortunately, there are many and various form of animal representation available in existent antiquities. Beginning a modest collection of animal antiquities is as easy as finding a goat figurine.

In addition to object and figurines, ancient manuscripts and illustrations represent another fascinating area of the antiquities market. From medieval illuminated manuscripts with their distinctive illustrations to ancient texts with exotic lettering, manuscripts can be both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing. Purchasing a full manuscript can be quite pricey, but it is often possible to purchase one leaf, or two sided page. Of course, once you possess a manuscript or text for a bygone era, it is of course your duty to learn how to read from it, and understand its content. If you would like a catalyst to spur your interest in manuscript, try reading the gripping new novel People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. This work of historical fiction inventively creates a back story for the remarkable manuscript known as the Sarajevo Haggadah.

How has the world-wide economic downturn affected the market for antiquities? Like much of the discussion about financial markets, the answer is not simple. See, for example this article –
http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/29786/antiquities-soar-at-sothebys-clank-at-christies/ – which discusses some recent high end antiquities auctions. The article quotes Hicham Aboutaam, the co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, who maintains that even in these times quality pieces with good provenance will still manage to fetch top dollar. It shouldn’t be that surprising that quality antiquities hold their value over time – they certainly have been around long enough!

The amazing thing about an interest in antiquities and archeology is that you never know when some new discovery will appear. And then all of the sudden there is evidence for some historical debate. The dead world is amazing dynamic and vibrant. And also completely unexpected. A few weeks ago a high school student tried his hand and sifting through some debris taken from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem discovered an ancient coin, most likely minted at the Temple during the later part of the second temple period. The coin, with the words ‘Holy Jerusalem’ printed on it was likely used to pay the Temple tax and appears to have survived the burning of the Temple in the year 70. Though I wouldn’t expect to make this coin part of you personal collection, its discovery should excite anyone interested in the ancient world.

Though quite distinct in their significance and religious meaning, the holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah have, at least in the American consumer economy, become closely associated with each other. At one level the comparison is actually apt. Both indeed are festivals of light. Not coincidentally, the custom to mark the winter solstice – the darkest time of the year – with a festival of lights dates way back to ancient pagan practices. As such this is a perfect season to look into the purchase of an ancient oil lamp. Oil lamps are another antiquities item that ranges across many time periods and many can be purchased for quite reasonable prices. So get into the holiday season – with your oil burning lamps. And start rolling your own wicks!