A sphere; an orb; a hollow ball; a round, three-dimensional shape; a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center; an astronomical body; a representation of the earth. All of these are common definitions or synonyms for "globe."
Despite Dark Ages controversy regarding the flatness of the world and related dangers of sailing ships off its edge, the notion of a spherical earth was well-established by the ancient Greeks. The "Hellenistic paradigm" gained footing and spread until it was widely accepted in the Middle Ages. Though little was known about topography and the distribution of land masses, continents, and oceans, artistic renditions of a globe-shaped earth symbolically represented elements of land, water and air. Other examples showed seasons in quadrants, demonstrating an understanding that the earth had repeating weather cycles.
Exploration by intrepid travelers expanded physical understanding of the known world, but it wasn't until Magellan successfully circumnavigated the earth that a practical, applied understanding of a spherical world, reinforced by earlier Greek trigonometric calculations, became widely accepted.
The oldest surviving globe dates to the early 1490's in Germany. Referred to as the Erdapfel, meaning "earth apple," the globe is made of laminated linen, and its map is painted on as an overlay. The Erdapfel does not show the continents of North and South America…word of Columbus's discovery had not reached Martin Behaim, the German globe's creator.
Globes have been made from copper, using a lost wax casting method, from wood, from linen. In 2012, a globe dating back to 1504, and made from, of all things, the halves of an ostrich egg was discovered.
Modern globes are often made from cardboard or, increasingly, from thermoplastic. Finer examples are made from glass, resin, acrylic, metals, and other durable materials.
Further, globes are not limited to representations of the earth. The moon, other planets, and even the constellations have been rendered as globes.
Though some globes are a bit higher end in craftsmanship, presentation and appearance, it's fun to see how the average globe is typically made; here's a link to a video showing how globes are manufactured.
A globe is simultaneously educational and artful. It offers perspective, in that a globe offers a sense of where one is in the world. It reflects principles of geometry and construction and centuries of acquired knowledge about our world. It implies an interest in geography and worldly understanding. It can, depending upon its appearance and placement, lend immediate class and refinement to an office, a study, a living room or foyer. A globe goes far beyond decor; it is an invitation to explore.
Consider this an invitation to you to explore a global selection of globes for your home or office. What a wonderful, colorful, timeless, classy, educational and truly interesting gift!
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Though a young country by world standards, America is rich with its own sense of tradition, patriotism, history and art. It remains a land of opportunity and varied charms...not to mention skilled craftspeople and artisans! From Globes to garden delights and patriotic textiles, Americana is synonymous with pride and welcome. Visit http://www.globalhomeaccents.com/ for a patriotic choice.
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