The Bible 1597 - 1607

This is a bible of modest size, made by Robert Barker. Covered in needlework, the book is adorned with heraldic symbols intertwined with stylized flora. During this period, the bible served as a tool for social control, as religion was deeply entwined with governance and societal norms. Literacy was limited. The scriptures were interpreted and disseminated by a select few, solidifying their power. This bible, like many objects of the time, blurs the lines between the sacred and the secular, as it uses domestic craft associated with women in the service of God. In its materiality, the labor-intensive needlework also speaks to the economics of devotion; a demonstration of both faith and wealth. As we contemplate its intricate designs and the weight of its cultural significance, this bible offers us a glimpse into the lives and the values of those who lived in a world vastly different from our own, yet connected through the enduring power of belief.