Idols and Figural Images in Islam: A Brief Dive into a Perennial Debate

This talk aims to explore some of the questions and debates concerning idolatry and figural representation from the beginning of Islam until today.

It will focus in particular on the specific terminology used in the Qur'an and Hadith-in particular the terms tamathil (figural likenesses), asnam (idols), and ansab (sacred stones or betyls)-in order to distinguish the semantic and conceptual categories that were used by Muslim writers to classify various forms of art-making along with their associated practices.

The talk will be held in Room A266 Bay 10 on the second floor of Smith Warehouse. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke.