Session: #131

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
1. Artefacts, Buildings & Ecofacts
Session format:
Regular session

Title & Content

Title:
Between Miniatures and Models: Interdisciplinary Approaches for Analysing Small Objects Meanings, Uses, and Contexts in the Mediterranean and Surrounding Areas
Content:
In recent years, specific analyses have been undertaken on small-sized objects, considered "special" finds in various archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and surrounding areas. Several categories have been proposed for their study and comparison, such as "models", "miniatures", "miniaturised items", or "special finds". In past research a wide variety of elements made of different raw materials (containers, figurines, amulets, seals, personal ornaments, domestic or recreational tools, among others) have been tentatively interpreted as religious or artistic objects. Today, new questions seek to quantify, contextualise and interpret these objects to understand their role in various practices of past societies.
This session aims to address interdisciplinary approaches to the study of small objects, problematising the proposed categories, their contexts, meanings, and possible roles. We encourage the participants to propose reflections on interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological aspects that underlay the concepts of miniature, model, and "special finds", considering the type of objects included within these categories, and their explanatory capacities, the role of small objects in symbolic and ritual practices and daily activities, and in the interactions and influences between societies.
In the hope of comparing categories and theoretical and methodological aspects for the study of small objects, and their meanings and uses, as well as issues connected to their conservation and public presentation, we welcome papers from various contexts from prehistoric times to the contemporary period that contribute to a greater understanding of the Mediterranean and surrounding areas.
Keywords:
Small objects, Mediterranean, Materiality, Interdisciplinary approaches
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:

Organisers

Main organiser:
Agustina Scaro (Argentina) 1
Co-organisers:
Eva Calomino (Spain) 2
Affiliations:
1. Institute of Andean Ecorregions (CONICET)
2. University of Granada