Cradle of Creation
Clip 1: Persian cultural heritage
2 min 17 sec
Taken from the documentary Cradle of Creation (1944)
Original title classification not known – this clip chosen to be G
Availability of the complete title
Curator’s clip description
Traditional Persian arts and crafts are preserved by modern craftsmen in Iran who pass on this cultural heritage to the next generation. These include: intricate lacquerwork, the pictorial portrayal of ancient stories and legends, the making and decoration of pottery, miniature painting on ivory and weaving traditionally patterned brocade with antique looms.
Curator’s notes
The first ten minutes of Cradle of Creation focuses on Tehran and Persian culture – the art, architecture and cultural heritage of the region – and its melding of Eastern and Western cultural traditions. Here, however, it is the rich heritage of Persian artistry and culture that is emphasised. This is one of Hurley’s themes throughout the travelogue-style documentary – that the region of the Middle East holds many long traditions that have enriched Western culture. The artistry and delicacy of the work depicted in this clip is also an example of Hurley’s curiosity in, and respect for, traditional ways of life and other cultures.
Unlike the rest of the documentary, this segment is not narrated by Hurley, although it was most probably scripted by him.
Lauren Williams, curator
have teachers’ notes.
