Decorative birds (1st of 2)

This detail of birds is from a decorated page in a breviary – a book of prayers – dating from about 1480. At the time of the Polynesian settlement of New Zealand (1250–1300 AD), European understanding of the natural world was based largely on folklore and biblical traditions. Animals also featured in bestiaries (books about real and fabled creatures), and plants in books known as herbals. In Europe it would be another 200 years before the scientific renaissance brought a more rigorous approach, based on accurate descriptions.

About this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tamaki Pataka Korero , Special Collections
Reference: Med.MS.G.134

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tamaki Pataka Korero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Linnaeus’s garden

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Decorative birds (1st of 2)