The discovery of ancient Aegean, especially the most common form of Cycladic and Minoan culture and art of the era, is the portrayal of women. In the Cyclades (Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age), almost all of the discovery – from a few inches to 5 feet tall- women and men is a rare find figurines figurines. There are many theories why women in the theme (such as “a woman’s figure,” C2600 BCE) sculpture depicts.
The exact purpose of these figurines or unknown-, but they are believed to be linked to the rituals and beliefs, because they are mainly excavated from the cemetery. These simple, stylized sculpture of certain elements is considered an important representative fertility- theme recurring in these cultures. Women also showed their main Minoan Association (Crete, corner BC 1900-1375). Especially the two famous art works, showing the “woman or goddess with a snake,” a woman’s place society- “across the Bull”, whether it is living in Crete Archaeological Museum.
We can extract from women in these cultures, is a powerful depiction of social Cyclades and Crete civilization did not realize the “traditional” gender roles and patriarchal later Western tradition. Follow very strict rules from the time the art of Crete female sculpture. In image 1, the figure is symmetrical expansion gesture. In the arms, chest, gently fold prominent, clutching his abdomen.
Slender neck, head slightly tilted back. Most of the face is featureless, except for highlighting and over exaggerated nose. In an unusual symmetry of the exact amount of these figurines, and can be separated by three times. Them from head to waist, shoulders to the knees and feet to designate the waist upwards.
Smooth Cycladic Bronze Age, stylized sculpture is strikingly similar to the current modern artists such as Brancusi. With traces of advanced technology paint, historians have been able to find some red, blue and green. In this particular sculpture, body parts and functions are painted in unusual places, it is asymmetrical around the body. Other features in this figure, the presence of breast and pubic area can be expressed as in the reproductive overview.
This impression is the execution time of the sculpture appears to be swollen abdomen, said pregnant, gastric, marking the postpartum wrinkles. These attributes can also represent rebirth with their mothers about – goddess. On the death of the statue, instead of concubines, slaves, ancestors, or replacement of statements, such as human sacrifice theoretical issues were discussed, but the female fertility god sculpture is the most reasonable explanation. Fertility is a central theme of the other early Mediterranean culture, a large number of trade positions and with Cyclades is that it would not be surprising if these cultural breakthrough path.
With their civilization is probably the most prominent religious figures are female, assume an important position of women in political, social. Women, especially women of childbearing age, which may be seen as more like God – not people. Perhaps the most famous works of art Minoan Late Minoan civilization of Crete during the “Bull leaps” mural. There are two women shown- holding bull horns, (L), while others (R) is ready to catch the man jump. In art, the people showed Cycladic sculpture more real.
There are basic forms appear in contrast to men with no real gender, but female identity by their pale skin dark. Bulls jump is a highly competitive event – it is who participated in the first statement of the woman. Some say that the woman on the right is preparing for his leap. Minoan men and females- evidence can be seen fully described only subtle differences of male and female power and social status equal respect.
Bulls jump itself may be a religious fertility ritual- further improve an important part of women in the society. A woman or goddess with a snake,” (Figure 3) is a condescending pottery and powerful woman or goddess. The figure is bare- breasted, (may indicate fertility) with extended arms each hand waving a snake. Blue, red and green color is similar to Figure 1 of the colors, the common part of the work is bright minoxidil weaving.
Minoan goddess dressed in ordinary clothes, but these snakes may be the nature of a higher power or command. This figure is compelling, and commands attention. The statue was found in the pit of ceremonial objects store room; further indicate the presence of female fertility god and, therefore, the importance of social and religious women in the ancient Aegean. Women show their cultural significance in the picture and sculpture Cycladic and Minoan say the absolute number. In the Cycladic culture, representing the revival of life and basic female form, it may have been heavily involved in religion, if it is the existence of this culture.
In Minoan society, women were regarded as men together, participate and assist in activities.
Bibliography:
“Boys Will Be Boys: Youth and Gender Identity in the Theran Frescoes”Anne P. ChapinHesperia Supplements Vol. 41, Constructions of Childhood in Ancient Greece and Italy (2007), pp. 229-255Papadimitriou, Nikolas. “Cycladic Art Museum.
” Cycladic Art Museum / ΠεÏιοχή E-shop. Museum of Cycladic Art, n. d. Web. 13 Oct.
2013. Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael W. Cothren. Art History. Fourth ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2011.
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