Special Events

Wonder how medieval people made and used everyday objects? From medieval textiles, to Scandinavian board games, to recreations of burial goods, explore medieval ways of making at the experimental archaeology and artisan displays in Sangren Lobby from 9:00am to 4:30pm daily during Congress.

This workshop explores the intersections of languages like Arabic, Ladino, and Spanish and the musical expressions that evolved from them in medieval Spain. Through a combination of music performance and storytelling, Ronnie Malley presents a journey of cultures and coexistence that spans time and space across the geographies of Andalusia, the Middle East, and North Africa. This event is open to ICMS attendees, and all WMU faculty, staff, and students.

The study of medieval textile labor highlights intimate connections between the ecology and rhythms of the natural world with even the most intellectual premodern activities. It also offers a window into experiences of the non-elite and often poorly-documented lives and labor of women and farming communities that produced the raw materials for textiles. The workshop organizers are each currently leading projects focused on premodern knowledge technologies and hands-on making. This workshop offers participants a platform for sustained exchange around these projects, the demonstration of and reflection on hands-on learning, and helping participants incorporate experimental techniques into their own professional practice.

The study of medieval textile labor highlights intimate connections between the ecology and rhythms of the natural world with even the most intellectual premodern activities. It also offers a window into experiences of the non-elite and often poorly-documented lives and labor of women and farming communities that produced the raw materials for textiles. The workshop organizers are each currently leading projects focused on premodern knowledge technologies and hands-on making. This workshop offers participants a platform for sustained exchange around these projects, the demonstration of and reflection on hands-on learning, and helping participants incorporate experimental techniques into their own professional practice.

Arabic music, poetry, and songs breathe life into the story of Ziryab, a former slave from Baghdad, whose musical abilities brought him fame throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Andalusia: a land where Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted for centuries, creating a unique and diverse society. Join us for a concert by visiting artist, Ronnie Malley.