Colour of Paradise

               Kris Lane introduced readers to a more complete picture of the commodity chain (or web, as we have discussed previously) than we have studied so far. Other than the books we’ve read, Colour of Paradise: The Emerald in the Age of Gunpowder Empires gives us a look at how a commodity affects the world in its entirety. Lane does forewarn us that although a popular commodity, emeralds were never regarded as significantly important as silver or Asian textiles, who were key players in “steer[ing] and regulat[ing] early modern global economic trends” (11). So, why write this book if emeralds held little global weight? By expanding the definition of ‘economy’ to “include all human relationships mediated by material goods, global-circling emeralds find new significance” (12).    

In order to fulfill his goal to redefine ‘economy’, Lane’s book follows an intricate connection of production and trade among many different groups, including the Amerindian Muzo people, Spanish Conquistadors, enslaved African miners, smugglers, Portuguese New Christian merchants, and Asian consumers. Here, readers get an in-depth look at a complex, interwoven human network in process. He details every network’s task precisely, including each tier’s role to deceive their superiors (i.e. minors would hide gems from mine operators who would, in turn, lie to tax collectors, etc.). Not only does Lane mention the process through which emeralds travel, he also gives an overview of how it affects the consumers in the Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman empires. The commodity chain is an important aspect of the global market, and by understanding all areas, readers can become more familiar with how it affects both producers and consumers.