I'd like to continue my discussion of the Indiana War Memorial building located in downtown Indianapolis. Today I'd like to point out the spherical globe looking object that seems to be made out of some sort of cast iron. It resembles what is called an armillary sphere. Anyhow I am going to speculate the reason for its use. I think that it has something to do with the symbolism of the globe and the armillary sphere when used in art. Many artist have used this particular item in many different mediums. It can be seen in sculptures, paintings, and even on the flag of Portugal. It is said that it is sometimes used as a symbol for knowledge, or at least the never ending quest for it. The armillary sphere was used in ancient times as a tool of astronomy. It was also regularly used for navigational purposes. So when you see it on a flag you may be seeing the desire of a certain principality to conquer any place that his/her state is able to navigate to. I would go even further to guess that innately man is portraying a thirst to navigate the entire material plane. Why else could it be showcased in the front of a war memorial? Or maybe it could be the conquering or mastering of one's self to the point of self sacrifice! That seems to make perfect sense to me! If you notice the relief work that it stands on it seems resembles a flower blossoming. Maybe its the full blossoming of that seed of human sacrifice that can only be brought forth in times of war! Then again it could just be a good use of ornamentation. One other thing I think about in relation to this is how many humans have a need to conquer something. It seems like human nature almost. If we are not trying to conquer the world, we may be busy trying to conquer video games, a conversation, weight issues, class work, relationships, or even ourselves! No matter what we are always in some sort of struggle, even if the struggle is conquer struggling! Talk about concentric circles! Which brings us right back to the armillary globe. WOW! Below are a few other references to the armillary sphere in art and science.
This is the Portuguese coat of arms.
Jost Bürgi and Antonius Eisenhoit: Armillary sphere
with astronomical clock, made 1585 inKassel, now at Nordiska
Museet in Stockholm
An armillary sphere in a painting by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1480.
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