The correlation of technological and stylistic changes, and society, in the production of attic geometric and orientalising finewares

Smyrnaios, Ioannis 2015. The correlation of technological and stylistic changes, and society, in the production of attic geometric and orientalising finewares. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates stylistic and technological changes in the production of Attic Geometric and Orientalising finewares (c. 900 – 620 BC), and their relationship with society. The transition from the abstract motifs of the Early and Middle Geometric styles to the figurative representations of the Late Geometric and Orientalising styles are examined in conjunction with the technological advances in the ceramic chaîne opératoire, and the social changes that characterise these periods. According to previous studies, the social developments in the Athenian polis between the 9th and 7th centuries BC left traces in the archaeological record suggesting competition among different elite groups. This social competition was expressed through funerary rites, which were subject to continuous changes all across the Attic Early Iron Age. The consumption of decorated finewares in such rites and other important social occasions demarcated the social position of the consumers/users of fine decorated pottery, while ceramic styles adapted to accommodate the changing nature of social demands. An important manifestation of stylistic change was the dominance of the figurative style in pottery decoration during the beginning of the Late Geometric period (c.760 BC). The original hypothesis of this research project is based on the fact that decoration was only part of the total production sequence of Attic Geometric and Orientalising pottery; therefore, it could be likely that the social changes noted during these periods triggered broader advances in ceramic technologies employed for the production of such finewares. This thesis moves away from traditional stylistic approaches and employs a technological approach based on the chaîne opératoire theory in order to explore the behaviour of Attic Early Iron Age potters and their response towards changing consumption demands during an era of significant social transformations.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 May 2016
Last Modified:	20 Dec 2023 15:37
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/91116

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