Mina, M.;
(2005)
Anthropomorphic figurines from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Aegean : gender dynamics and implications for the understanding of Aegean prehistory.
Doctoral thesis , University of London.
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Abstract
This thesis examines the subject of gender in Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (EBA) communities of the Aegean as revealed through a systematic study and analysis of anthropomorphic figurines. It particularly concentrates on the aspect of gender construction through symbolism and embodied practices as is suggested by the use, as well as the representational analysis of anthropomorphic figurines. By examining the aspect of gender and its dynamics, my thesis aims to explore the social organisation of Neolithic and EBA communities in the Aegean and how, in the light of my research, we need to review our understanding and interpretation of early Aegean prehistory. The thesis is organised into eight chapters. Chapter 1 presents a short introduction to my research topic and clarifies certain decisions behind the proposed theoretical and methodological approach. Chapter 2 provides a review of earlier works on the study of anthropomorphic Aegean figurines and a summarised introduction to Neolithic and EBA cultures of the Aegean. In Chapter 3 I present and explain my decisions behind my theoretical approach and I explore, in particular, the relevant subjects of symbolic material culture as studied in the framework of gender archaeology. The final section presents the particular research questions that my thesis sets out to answer. Chapter 4 offers a detailed account of the methodology I have chosen to follow and how I have applied it for the purposes of my research. Chapters 5 and 6 give a detailed presentation of the analysis and its results on Neolithic and EBA figurines respectively. Chapter 7 discusses the results in the framework of gender archaeology and suggests new interpretations regarding gender and social organisation in the Neolithic and EBA and what the transition from one period to the other entailed. Finally, Chapter 8 stresses the contribution of my research to the knowledge of early Aegean prehistoric society, the need to review earlier interpretations and its impact on future works in Aegean social prehistory and figurine studies. The thesis is also accompanied by a CD-ROM which contains a concordance of the Neolithic and EBA figurines comprising the sample under study. The fields that have been included offer information related to their source of publication, as well as their site and area of recovery. Photographs or sketches of the figurines have also been included, apart from the cases of specimens that were too fragmented to be categorised under any of the sex categories.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Anthropomorphic figurines from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Aegean : gender dynamics and implications for the understanding of Aegean prehistory. |
| Identifier: | PQ ETD:594428 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by Proquest |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Institute of Archaeology |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1446434 |
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