Abstract and figurative representation and the politics of display in Neolithic Southeast Italy

Skeates, Robin

Abstract

This paper explores the social use and significance of ‘figurative’ and ‘abstract’ modes of visual representation within the Neolithic communities of South-East Italy. It does so by highlighting some patterns in the spatial distribution of these elements in their art. It is argued that, together, these motifs formed part of a powerful set of cultural symbols, whose display was embedded within political strategies intended to establish and strengthen social identities within early agricultural communities. It is also suggested that the relatively explicit and rare figurative images were regarded as particularly potent and problematic, and therefore carefully controlled by leaders and confined to liminal ritual contexts.

Citation

Skeates, R. (2007). Abstract and figurative representation and the politics of display in Neolithic Southeast Italy. In C. Renfrew, & I. Morley (Eds.), Image and imagination : a global prehistory of figurative representation (199-210). McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research

• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Apr 20, 2016
• Publisher: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
• Pages: 199-210
• Series Title: McDonald Institute monographs
• Book Title: Image and imagination : a global prehistory of figurative representation.
• Chapter Number: 15
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1664738
• Publisher URL: http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/image-and-imagination.html