Between Deity and Dedicator: The Life and Agency of Greek Votive Terracotta Figurines

Sanne Hoffmann

Published by De Gruyter 2023

Between Deity and Dedicator

The Life and Agency of Greek Votive Terracotta Figurines

Sanne Hoffmann

Volume 23 in the series Image & Context

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110770223

Overview
Contents

About this book

The book presents a broad survey of Greek votive terracotta figurines, a class of votives where previous scholarship has mainly consisted of research in specific sites and collections. They have traditionally been interpreted as inexpensive and inconspicuous votives for everyday use, but this study questions whether this is in fact the case.

By introducing the theoretical model of chaîne opératoire for a life cycle study of the votive figurines the book moves through the stages of production, distribution, use and discard of the votives, the latter both in the sense of practical discard and in the end of use. The study is based on a selection of case studies and surveys of relevant material, allowing for in-depth analyses of the terracottas in those life stages of shifting contextual interactions.

The approach furthers new knowledge on several levels, such as the value of the terracottas, their suitability and their popularity as dedications, their iconography and symbolism, the general votive practice, and the end of the terracotta practice. As such, the book is relevant for all who seek insights on terracotta figurines, votive offerings, ritual practice, as well as those interested in archaeological methodology, theory and contexts.

Greek votive terracotta figurines analysed through a broad-scale life cycle study.
A study of the Greek ritual practice for small offerings.
A contextual study of small votive offerings in Greek sanctuaries, through terracotta figurines.

Author / Editor information

Sanne Hoffmann, The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	I
Table of Content Publicly Available Download PDF	V
Preface Publicly Available Download PDF	IX
Chapter I: Introduction Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Chapter II: Making and Moving Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	35
Chapter III: Dedicating and Mediating Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	77
Chapter IV: Depositing and Discarding Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	169
Chapter V: Transformation and Termination Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	231
Chapter VI: Discussion and Conclusions Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	255
Tables Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	269
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	289
Bibliography Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	309
List of Illustrations Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	341
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	344

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
Audience: Archaeologists, Classicists, Anthropologists, Art historians, scholars in the field of Religious studies
Pages
- Front matter: 11
- Main content: 347
Illustrations
- Illustrations: 60
- Coloured Illustrations: 64
Keywords: Greek terracotta figurines; Greek votive offerings; Ritual votive practice; Chaîne opératoire

eBook

Published: July 4, 2023
ISBN: 9783110770223

Hardcover

Published: July 4, 2023
ISBN: 9783110768879