Supervisors info:
Ιωάννης Παπαδάτος, Αναπλ. Καθηγητής Προϊστορικής Αρχαιολογίας, Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Γεώργιος Βαβουρανάκης, Αναπλ. Καθηγητής Προϊστορικής Αρχαιολογίας, Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Μαρία Μηνά, Επικ. Καθηγήτρια Προϊστορικής Αρχαιολογίας, Μεσογειακών Σπουδών, Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου
Summary:
The case study of this research dissertation is the technology of manufacturing Cycladic-type marble figurines. The main methodological tool used for the investigation of the subject was archaeological experimentation. A new series of archaeological experiments, which were performed and are presented by the author, provide new information regarding the manufacturing of Cycladic-type figurines specifically and the technology of marble objects in the Cyclades of EBA in general. These are based on data from older archaeological experiments, but, unlike them, are part of the theoretical framework of experimental archeology.
Experimental archeology, as a research method of the science of archeology, proves to be a valuable aid for the analysis and answer of archaeological questions and the synthesis of interpretations, in combination with archaeological data and knowledge of the wider historical context. Apart from this, however, another research method was used, that of the comparative study of two different areas, in which the same phenomenon occurs, that of the production of marble objects, between the Kulaksizlar site in Western Asia Minor and the Cyclades.
By studying the data of old and new experiments, in relation to the archaeological data and the historical context, it became possible to identify and describe the technological processes of shaping the raw material of marble into figurines. These provide information regarding the progress of the technological process, the raw materials, the tools used, the technical processing methods and the approximate production time. In addition, these data made it possible to approach the issues of apprenticeship of the technology, the existence or not of full-time skilled craftsmen, their position within the community, the existence of marble processing workshops, the organization of production and the social parameters of technological choices. Finally, questions are answered regarding the reasons that led to the increase of the production of marble objects in the Cyclades in the EBA. The ultimate goal of the research will be the reconstruction of the reality around the technological field of marble manufacturing in the Cyclades during the EC I and ECIIA period.
Pre-existing knowledge around the multifaceted technological phenomenon is reinforced by the conclusions of archaeological experiments and a different picture is formed from that traditionally prevailing in research regarding the production of marble objects in the Cyclades of the EBA. The idea of the existence of "artists", workshops and generally a process that requires talent, high artistic sense, extensive experience and rules to provide works of high art is replaced by a manufacturing process that includes simple mechanical methods and repetitive kinesiology, which can be done by anyone anywhere. The significance of their marble works was not based on their treatment as unique works of high art, but as objects loaded with symbolism and meanings, which in fact were included in their color decoration, than in their shape and form.
Keywords:
Experimental Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Cycladic Figurines, Figurines, Early Bronze Age, Aegean, Cyclades
