Panel One: “Art, literature and music as modes of agency in medieval slavery”: The focus of this panel is how slaves, particularly singing girls (qiyan) were used, or represented as using, their artistic, intellectual and/or political talent as a means of agency. Of particular interest are projects concerned with music, art, and literature, though broader inquiries into the qiyan and other slave/unfree entertainers are also welcome.
Please submit an abstract of 300 – 400 words and short copy of your c.v. to Lisa Nielson: len12@case.edu. Email submissions only. Kindly use the heading “MESA, 2013” in the subject of your question or submission.

Panel Two: Working title "The many facets of Islamic concubinage: Umm walad, queen mothers and others." The “others” will fill in when the topics of the papers are chosen. This panel is focused on exploring the different roles of slave women and the institution of concubinage in medieval Islamicate culture. Topics relating to slave’s access to power, gender segregation, representation of concubinage and slavery are all welcome.
Please submit an abstract of 300 – 400 words and short copy of your c.v. to Kathryn Hain: hainsontheroad@hotmail.com. Email submissions only. Kindly use the heading “MESA, 2013” in the subject of your question or submission.

The deadline for submissions to both panels is Thursday, Feb. 7th, 2013. For full guidelines regarding abstracts and MESA, please refer to: http://www.mesa.arizona.edu/

Best,
Kathryn Hain and Lisa Nielson