These links will take you to articles I have written, followed by links to scholastic resources penned by others, and a handful of shopping sites. If you have a topic you would like to see here, or if you have written an article related to Medieval Studies that you would like to offer for consideration for publication on this website, please email me!

The Mongolian Invasions of Europe
A description of Mongolian warfare during the 13th -14th centuries, where deception formed a basis of battle strategy, combined with high levels of discipline, organization and personal strength, made the armies of Chinghis Khagan a force to be reckoned with.

In Search of Prester John
The wives and concubines of the great Mongolian khans descended from a Turkop-Eurasian tribe which was converted by Nestorian missionaries in the 12th century. This research article is a brief history of Nestorianism in Eurasia, and follows the fantastical stories of its legendary Christian ruler.

Pan Chao, Woman Historian
A very brief biography of the first female historian of China.

Mythical Animals of Ancient China
An overview of the spiritually endowed animals sacred in Chinese mythology: the Unicorn, the Phoenix, the Tortoise, and the Dragon.

Chinese Embroidery and Symbolism
An overview of the history, technique and symbolism in Chinese textiles.

The Ger, a Mongolian Tent
Also known as a yurt, yurta or ger, this article provides a brief history, and an overview of how it was furnished in the 13th century. To buy a ger, or for information on how to build one, please contact Cheri Dohm, or scroll down to the Yurts Direct link in the shopping section.

The Maikhan, a Tibetan Tent
A how to article on building a maikhan, a traditional nomadic shelter of the Himalayan Plateau.

Considering the Herb Mint - NEW
A short treatise on plants from the mint family as they were known (and used) in medieval and renaissance Europe.

Medicinal Teas of the East and West
A comparative study of herbs used by both Asian and Europeans during the medieval period, with notes on taste and preparation.

Names from the History of the Nation of the Archers
An alphabetical listing of names and nouns compiled from a text written by Grigor of Akanc' in 1271. It is a source of medieval Armenian names, some of which are listed with Mongolian or Turkish equivalent spellings, provided here for the reenactor, living history and interactive gaming crowd.

Names from the Secret History of the Mongols
The Secret History was written for the royal Mongol family after Chingis Khan's death in 1227 AD, and details the history of the Mongol peoples from the birth of the first Mongol, Batachikhan, through the ascension of Ogodei Khan to the Mongolian throne. It is considered a primary source and genealogy of the ruling families of Mongolia. This is an alphabetical listing of names and titles compiled from this literary work, again provided for living history reenactors and gaming buffs.

The Ulaanbaatar Boot
How to build your own pair of Mongolian cavalry boots.

A "Kingfisher Feather" Hairpin
A very brief history, and my attempt to produce a hairpin in the style of those worn during the T'ang Dynasty.

Other Asian Studies Links...

Mongolian Culture
An excellent source of festival and history links. "Mongolian culture and history have been shaped by the powerful dynamics of an extreme climate, the Mongol peoples nomadic tribal heritage, their ability to adapt, and the vision of Genghis Khan."

Altaitic Study Links
A very comprehensive website of Asian, Central Asian and Russian resources, including links to universities, societies and newspapers. It is very heavy on language studies.

Paragon International Arts
A resource for Chinese art supplies, traditional scroll mounting services, and seal and chop carving services. They also run a gallery where they buy and sell old and new artworks, including the works of Yu-MingZhu, ZhiLin Dong and XiaoGuang Ge.

Gotheborg
An illustrated index of maker's marks for Chinese porcelains, useful in determining date of manufacture of your favorite pieces.

And then there's Shopping...

Yurts Direct
This company, based in the UK is the official distributor for Ulaantaij Yurts out of Mongolia. These are -not- your standard Mongolian yurt. Intricately carved roof rings allow for additional light and make for a specatular view from inside. I could go on and on about the contents of this site, but you should probably just go check it out for yourself.

Sensational Teas
This company, based in Corvalis Oregon, sells a very nice selection of traditional Chinese teas and tea accessories.

The Tuva Trader
Mongolian throat singing, jackets, hats, horsehead fiddles, sheep bone dice, lots of cool and difficult to find stuff. I am especially fond of their email Ekii cards.

Good Orient
Traditional Asian clothing and home furnishings on the web. They have recently redone their website, showing more of their clothing on real life models. Great stuff!

Little Shanghai
Traditional and contemporary Asian-inspired clothing at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Located at 1906 Pile Place #4 inside Stewart House. This shop is a little tough to find, but worth the hunt. Great stuff, good quality, traditional enough for the period reenactor. They also offer custom work.

Far East Handicrafts
"Creating Hope, Making a Difference" among the impoverished in Nepal. The foundation focuses on partnering with local associations and volunteers to build and furnish schools, and to funding scholarships for children in Nepal. You may make cash donations, or purchase handcrafts through their Far East Handicrafts website. All products on their webiste are made by hand so no two items are alike. They do not import antiques but support the making of new items in traditional and ancient art forms, thus keeping these traditions alive.