07 April 2017
"Certified Authentic" is more than a reference to bona fide antiques, meaningful treasures, distinctive collectibles, and art and furnishings from all over the world, the types of items traditionally found at PRIMITIVE. Instead, it is a direct reference to how we define the term authentic and the true nature of authenticity. Historically, our definition of authentic was simple; it meant "used a...
31 March 2017
The history of bronze metal casting in India and Nepal goes back thousands of years and is shrouded in the mist of antiquity. Originally, miniature images of Hindu deities came into existence to fulfill the religious and spiritual needs of local villagers. It is theorized their small size – from 1 ½ to 6 inches in height – came about so they could be carried in a small bag fo...
24 March 2017
Many of humankind’s earliest civilizations began on the banks of rivers, but it wasn't long before people learned to build dams to stem the threat of floods and droughts. The oldest known dam is located in Jordan and dates back to 3000 BCE. It’s evidence of humankind’s ability to harness and control the flow of rivers, which allowed villages to become cities; and ultimat...
17 March 2017
Meyer is an American artist, writer, actor and director born and raised in Chicago; now living outside Paris, France in an idyllic village near the gardens of Giverny, made famous by the French impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Meyer discovered his love of drawing at a young age when he surprised himself by drawing a thumb that actually looked like a "real" thumb. While many children forget ...
10 March 2017
I do admit, though, it really isn't horrifying. In fact, most of the specimens at Primitive are simply beautiful. In particular, I find the butterflies almost magical with their colorful wings outspread. Some refer to their wings as 'nature's canvas.' The leaf and stick insects make you marvel at the intricate workings of the natural world; and in terms of presentation, the delicate curves...
03 March 2017
The topic of who discovered what and when has long been debated by historians whom may never come to a singular agreement. One thing is certain: humans have continually dreamt of faraway lands and set sail to voyage to the edges of the earth and beyond. As with all things in human history, people have left records of their voyages and discoveries. From the earliest maps that were mere lines a...
24 February 2017
It’s hard to imagine a grown man listening intently and carrying on a dialogue with a stuffed pig, unless the pig represents the inner child of his best friend, companion, and partner Claudia, also known as Scout. The pig was a gift from a family friend years ago, and in no time she was a principal member of our family.The pig is a beautiful shade of pink, with brown button eyes, and much...
20 January 2017
Looking at Buddha’s face and head can also give an indication of whether you are seeing Gautama Buddha or a different Buddhist figure entirely. The original Buddha’s facial expression is typically serene and his mouth is usually shown smiling slightly. His earlobes are usually shown long where they were once weighed by his heavy jewelry as a prince. Later, the long earlobes bec...
13 January 2017
Who is to say that the things we see – all the colors, shapes and textures of the world – are viewed the same way through every eye? Is the green you see the same as the green I see? Recent research has suggested it's not, and further, that the perception of color is actually derived from experience. Needless to say, no two people have identical experiences, even identical twin...
05 January 2017
By Glen Joffe Various types of headdresses are used throughout Ladakh. Most are plain; typically put together from pieces of dark fabric or leather. However, other types of spectacularly ornamented headgear also exist. The most well known is called the Perak, an unusual piece of finery covered in long rows of turquoise stitched onto the surface. Many aficionados and experts claim the Perak...