Expressions of regional identities in coroplastics - Mycenaean figurines in context
The focus of my research concerns the coroplastic material from the Swedish excavations at Asine in the 1920s. This unpublished material comprises small figurines of terracotta that often represent human beings and animals, but miniature furniture and boats also occur. The figurines were discovered in various archaeological contexts, but are linked to the cultic rituals in the Bronze Age and mirror social, economic and idelological conceptions and conditions. The assemblage of terracotta figurines also signals the local identity and self representation of the inhabitants. My aim is to compare the various assemblages of figurines from Asine with similar finds, both unpublished and partly published. The comparative material comes mainly from the Argive Mycenaean sites. The unpublished coroplastc material excavated by Swedish archaeologists constitutes important archaeological evidence and it is our responsibility to to make it known, not least since it is it is central for a deeper understandingo of the Late Bronze Age. In order to pursue my study it is necessary to spend time in Greece, partly for the primary documtentaion of the finds that are to be published, but also in order to study the comparative material in various museums and study collections. I plan to finish my work during six months dividied in two: during the second part of 2020 and the second part of 2021.
Final report
Expressions of regional identities in coroplastics - Mycenaean figurines in context
The focus of my research concerns the coroplastic material from the Swedish excavations at Asine in the 1920s. This unpublished material comprises small figurines of terracotta that often represent human beings and animals, but miniature furniture and boats also occur. The figurines were discovered in various archaeological contexts, but are linked to the cultic rituals in the Bronze Age and mirror social, economic and ideological conceptions and conditions. The assemblage of terracotta figurines also signals the local identity and self- representation of the inhabitants. My aim is to compare the various assemblages of figurines from Asine with similar finds, both unpublished and partly published. The comparative material comes mainly from the Argive Mycenaean sites. The unpublished coroplastic material excavated by Swedish archaeologists constitutes important archaeological evidence and it is our responsibility to make it known, not least since it is central for a deeper understanding of the Late Bronze Age. I have spent part of my research in Greece, partly for the primary documentation of the finds that are to be published, but also in order to study the comparative material in various museums and study collections. I have studied Mycenaean figurines from the Greek-Swedish-Danish excavations in Khania on Crete and I have prepared a manuscript for publication. I have also studied figurines from Berbati and Midea for publication. Moreover, I have visited museums in Athens, Khania, Mycenae, Nafplio and Nemea for studying comparative material from the Late Bronze Age. I have also contributed with a paper in the publication Breaking images. Damage and mutilation of ancient figurines: Fragmented or intact – Mycenaean figurines and figures in cult and burial contexts. Furthermore, I have continued working with the coroplastic material from Asine and reported current results, together with my colleague, professor Sven Isaksson, SU at the conferens Open-Ended Asine: Ongoing Research after a Century of Archaeological Study. A Symposion in Celebration of the Asine Excavations 1922-2022, organized by the Swedish Institute at Athens on the 11th of November at The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.
The focus of my research concerns the coroplastic material from the Swedish excavations at Asine in the 1920s. This unpublished material comprises small figurines of terracotta that often represent human beings and animals, but miniature furniture and boats also occur. The figurines were discovered in various archaeological contexts, but are linked to the cultic rituals in the Bronze Age and mirror social, economic and ideological conceptions and conditions. The assemblage of terracotta figurines also signals the local identity and self- representation of the inhabitants. My aim is to compare the various assemblages of figurines from Asine with similar finds, both unpublished and partly published. The comparative material comes mainly from the Argive Mycenaean sites. The unpublished coroplastic material excavated by Swedish archaeologists constitutes important archaeological evidence and it is our responsibility to make it known, not least since it is central for a deeper understanding of the Late Bronze Age. I have spent part of my research in Greece, partly for the primary documentation of the finds that are to be published, but also in order to study the comparative material in various museums and study collections. I have studied Mycenaean figurines from the Greek-Swedish-Danish excavations in Khania on Crete and I have prepared a manuscript for publication. I have also studied figurines from Berbati and Midea for publication. Moreover, I have visited museums in Athens, Khania, Mycenae, Nafplio and Nemea for studying comparative material from the Late Bronze Age. I have also contributed with a paper in the publication Breaking images. Damage and mutilation of ancient figurines: Fragmented or intact – Mycenaean figurines and figures in cult and burial contexts. Furthermore, I have continued working with the coroplastic material from Asine and reported current results, together with my colleague, professor Sven Isaksson, SU at the conferens Open-Ended Asine: Ongoing Research after a Century of Archaeological Study. A Symposion in Celebration of the Asine Excavations 1922-2022, organized by the Swedish Institute at Athens on the 11th of November at The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.