In response to 9/11 and to today's growing estrangement from and extremism within religous traditions and ethnic cultures the Ashmolean Inter Faith Exhibitions Service (AIFES) has developed a unique series of interfaith exhibitions investigating artistic representations of religious concepts in the different faiths of Asia and the Mediterranean world.
To launch the series, Pilgrimage explores the role of the sacred journey in Christianity, Islam, Judaism and the religons of South Asia. Outreach programmes of educational workshops and events will operate simultaneously within the local communtiy to increase the appreciation and understanding of different cultures and faiths.
Mr Ian Laing, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and sponsor of the exhibition, said: "We are delighted to have given encouragment and support to this wonderful exhibition and to the formation of AIFES. It brings together treasures from across the University and with its strong thematic presentaion, makes them accessible to every section of the Oxfordshire community, regardless of faith, nationality or background."
Arranged thematically, the exhibition investigates aspects common to all pilgrimages. The initial theme of Departure looks at Pilgrimage as a separation from daily life and the search for physical and spiritual well-being. From Hebrew manuscripts to illuminations of the Canterbury Tales, objects and texts crucial to each faith highlight the meaning of pilgrimage, its goals and destination. The Journey is illustrated by a medieval map of the Holy Land alongwith pilgrims' accoutrements such as Buddhist prayer wheels, astrolabes and written accounts.
Sacred Space reflects the devotional requirements of religious buildings and shows requirements of religious buildings and shows objects used at shrines and sites. Central Shrine is the destination point of all pilgrimages and represented in the exhibition by images of the Ka'ba in Mecca, the Buddha's place of enlightenment at Bodhgaya and a large 17th century model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Return is indicated by the collection of pilgrims' memorabillia and souvenirs.
