About this episode
In the second part of our alchemical journey, we meet what ancient philosophers called the “noble” metals: mercury, silver, and gold. How did a nineteenth-century set designer harness one of the most captivating—and toxic—materials in the world and wind up as one of the fathers of photography? When does a coin go from a piece of stamped metal to an act of faith? And how did gold in Ghana go from dust in the water to a touchstone of language, story, and the strength of an empire? Guests: Yaëlle Biro , former associate curator for the Arts of Africa, African Art in The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Daniel Carrillo , studio photographer Benjamin Harnett , independent scholar of ancient technology and digital engineer, The New York Times Marco Leona , David H. Koch Scientist in Charge, Scientific Research, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Irene Soto Marín , economic historian and assistant professor of ancient history, Harvard University Yaw Nyarko , professor of Economics, New York University Stephen Pinson , curator, Photographs, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Objects featured in this episode: Works of Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre (various) Roman coins (various) Staff of Office: Figures, spider web and spider motif (ȯkyeame) , 19th–early 20th century. Ghana. Akan peoples, Asante group. Wood, gold foil, nails, H. 61 5/8 x W. 5 3/4 x D. 2 1/4 in. (156.5 x 14.6 x 5.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of the Richard J. Faletti Family, 1986 (1986.475a-c) For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit metmuseum.org/immaterial #MetImmaterial Immaterial is produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Magnificent Noise and hosted by Camile Dungy. This episode was produced by Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong. Special thanks to Alan Shapiro, Bobby Walsh, Lauren Johnson, and Kwabena and Rose Gyimah-Brempong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.