Unit A Week 4

Archaic Gift Exchange

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis ad usum Ecclesiae Gallicanae, cum Calendario
[Hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary According to the Use of the Gallican Church, with Calendar]
Franco-Flemish, late 15th century
(NYPL, Spencer Collection)

The painting depicts Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. A perfect world until . . .

Focus Question

Consider gift giving as an obligation (e.g. holiday gifts). In what circumstances have you given a gift out of obligation? Do you ever make gifts that are not obligatory? What are the consequences of failure to meet a gift obligation? What rituals are associated with obligatory gift giving?

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