Photo by Sean Sreamach
By Maggie Rue
The Pennsic Independent
The Known World Arts and Sciences Display at Pennsic War is always astounding. This year, after a hiatus, was simply amazing. The limit of 50 displays due to Covid allowed observers to wander about the amazing pieces and learn to their hearts’ content.
This being said, it was still hard to take in all of the amazing examples of Society craftsmanship. There were embroidered pieces and woven trim; period shoes and other clothing. Several examples of pottery showed the skills of our ancestors. A few artisans brought in fascinating armor bits that were documented as being in-period.
Some of the more eye-catching displays included painted portraits, a set of fishing gear, and a spoon maker who was demonstrating his magic right in the hall. The stained-glass pieces were stunning and the exhibition on the tugh (a Mongol horsetail standard used as a banner and as a symbol of war or peace) definitely caught the Known World’s attention.
I sat down with Li Xua of Avacal (representing Northshield), who offered a display of her Bead Challenge, She is her region’s Glass Tract Coordinator and she has been busy teaching glass bead-making on site. She had already participated in online challenges for non-SCA groups. These experiences inspired her to have people come in and do a daily challenge. They made beads following specific suggested formats such as heraldry or a focus on games. “It was amazing,” she said. “It was a way to equalize the skill levels and so inclusive.”
There were 18 challenges overall, with participation from the Midrealm, East, An Tir, AEthelmearc, Outlands, Northshield, Atlantia, and Trimaris. Regardless of whether they were an expert or had just learned how to use a blowtorch that morning, the results were nothing short of spectacular.
“I’ve already been informed I will be doing this next year,” she laughed.
Li Xia has several more classes to teach at Pennsic U. and can be reached at the Ostgardr encampment.