Coin of Herakleios c. 629 - 630

Editor: This is an interesting object—a coin of Herakleios, created by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads. It feels incredibly tactile, like I can feel the history embedded in the metal. What can we learn from its materiality? Curator: Precisely! Think about the coin’s production. The labor involved, the source of the metal, and the very act of minting it served a purpose. It allowed Abd-al-Malik to project power, influence trade, and control resources. Can you see how it blurred the lines between art and a tool of governance? Editor: So, its value isn't just monetary, it's about the power dynamics inherent in its creation and circulation? Curator: Exactly. It challenges the idea of art existing in a vacuum and shows how deeply intertwined art is with social, political, and economic systems. Editor: That’s a different way of viewing something like a coin; I will never look at money the same again. Curator: Indeed. Consider the value of materials and labor!