14th century, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes
A famous fourteenth century Persian poet, `Obeyd-e Zakani, known for his satire, wittily dittily sums up how you can influence people – forget learning and wisdom, just stick to fooling and fiddling.  Keep clear of learning sir, if so you may,Lest you should...
14th century, 15th century, Africa, figurine, fooleum, primary source
This beautiful brass figurine is striking and all the more so for being a rare sign of court dwarfs (or jesters?) in Africa.  Dated to 14th-15th century Edo, capital of the Kingdom of Benin (not related to the modern-day country of Benin). GAP MAP: More research...
14th century, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes, stories
The 14th century Persian poet ‘Obeyd Zakani complained of the favouritism the king showed his jester. In his Biographies of the Poets (Tazkirat al-Shu`ara) (1487) Dawlatshah describes `Obeyd’s annoyance:It has been related that he had composed a treatise...
14th century, folk fool, primary source, quotes, stories, Turkey, Turkish
Another example of a jester interceding to mitigate cruelty or suffering. Here the legendary Nasrudin corners the great Tamerlane (1336-1405) to have him ease up on the brutality of his punishments. When the king was getting carried away doling out thrashings,...
14th century, Europe, France, French, historical figure, primary source, quotes
European court account books yield rich details concerning the kind of clothes provided to fools and jesters. They also provide insights into the apparently generous provision commonly made for them, raising serious doubts concerning the occasional notion that jesters...
13th century, 14th century, bibliography, book chapter, England, English, Europe, medieval, research
A clear account of attitudes and beliefs in medieval England regarding mental disability and illness, Buhrer’s paper highlights distinctions between temporary and congenital madness or mental impairment, as it was considered in society and by the courts. The...
