Ducat of Roger II of Sicily c. 1130 - 1154

Editor: This is a Ducat of Roger II of Sicily. It's a small, round coin with imagery stamped on both sides. What strikes me is how much history this tiny object holds. What stories do you see embedded in it? Curator: This coin illuminates the complex socio-political landscape of 12th-century Sicily, a cultural crossroads. Roger II, a Norman king, deliberately employs Byzantine and Islamic artistic motifs. This wasn’t just aesthetic; it was a strategic visual language to legitimize his rule over a diverse population. Consider the power dynamics inherent in appropriating these symbols. Editor: So, it's more than just currency; it's a statement of power through cultural appropriation? Curator: Precisely! How can an object like this inform contemporary discussions about cultural heritage? Editor: It makes me think about how even something so small can be a potent tool for shaping identity. Curator: And how crucial it is to deconstruct the narratives these objects perpetuate.