Object Lesson

From materials like water and resin come complex and extremely useful objects of almost any kind. It almost seems like magic.

Before the printing press was perfected, copies of the Bible were produced in a long, laborious process by monks.

In classes on Islamic art and history of the Mediterranean region taught by Aliaa El Sandouby, postcards are a primary learning tool.

It must be one of the oddest historical pieces in the William H. Hannon Library Archives and Special Collections: a sand jar, eight inches tall, with the words “The New Loyola — Rev. Joseph Sullivan —For the greater glory of God,” an image of the U.S. flag, and a jagged pattern of green, white, red, tan, pink, gray and gold sand lines. Even stranger is its origin.