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Figurines de terre cuite en Méditerranée grecque et romaine

 | 
Arthur Muller
, 
Ergün Laflı

2.1. Bâtiments privés et publics

Terracotta Figurines from Houses at Olynthus. Findspot and Function

Figurines en terre cuite des maisons d’Olynthe : lieux de trouvaille et fonction

Heather F. Sharpe

Abstract

The extensive array of terracottas excavated from houses at Olynthus provides an ideal opportunity to evaluate the reason (or reasons) behind the use and display of terracottas in Greek houses. Current debate alternates between their use as decorative and religious objects. An analysis of the iconography of the terracottas in combination with their findspot and the artifacts found in proximity can shed light on this issue. While literary evidence frequently mentions traditional household gods – Hermes, Zeus, and Hestia – they were infrequently represented in sculptural form. At Olynthus, the majority of terracottas depict women: heads, busts, masks, seated and standing figures. Their generic appearance and lack of attributes often make it difficult to determine whether they are mortal or divine. As pointed out by Nicholas Cahill, many of the terracottas were found in association with objects primarily used by women (e.g. loomweights, jewelry, and cookware). This suggests that many of these female masks, heads, and figurines may in fact represent deities (e.g. Demeter and Aphrodite), who were strongly associated with the domestic work and lives of Olynthian women.

Termini per la ricerca

Keywords :

house, domestic, religion, woman

Indice geografico :

Olynthe

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Estratto del testo

The function of terracotta figurines found at Greek shrines and sanctuaries is well understood; they were placed there as gifts to the gods, given in hopes of a favor or in gratitude for a wish granted. In contrast, attempts to explain the use and display of terracotta figurines in Greek houses has sparked considerable debate. This is apparent even at sites that have produced large quantities of terracottas from documented contexts such as the city of Olynthus located in northeast Greece.1 In his discussion of the terracottas found in Olynthian houses, the director of the excavation, David M. Robinson, proposed that the terracotta figurines were by and large decorative, in keeping with recent suggestions regarding the terracottas found at two other ancient Greek cities, Priene and Thera.2 Other studies have painted a more nuanced view while placing an increased emphasis on their religious or cult function.3 In light of Nicholas Cahill’s study Household and City Organization at Olynt...

Autore

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, USA.

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