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Prehistoric figurines in Italy

Skeates, Robin

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Authors



Contributors

Tim Insoll
Editor

Abstract

An overview is provided of anthropomorphic figurines in peninsular Italy and Sicily between the Palaeolithic and Copper Age. Some updated patterns in the data and contextual interpretations of the production, use, and deposition of figurines are presented. For the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic figurines, we can think about the performative nature of their manufacture, handling, inspection, and deposition at key residential sites, and about their symbolic significance as representations of pregnant women’s bodies. In the Neolithic and early Copper Age the focus shifts from the belly and breasts to the head and breasts, sometimes elaborated by hairstyles, necklaces, abstract symbols, and colour. The large number and variety of forms give the impression of localized production, usages, and understandings. In addition to domestic use, from the Middle Neolithic onwards, figurines were also handled, displayed, and deposited more purposefully at cemeteries and in other ritual contexts.

Citation

Skeates, R. (2017). Prehistoric figurines in Italy. In T. Insoll (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of prehistoric figurines (777-798). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199675616.013.038

Online Publication Date Apr 20, 2017
Publication Date Apr 20, 2017
Deposit Date Aug 1, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Publisher Oxford University Press
Pages 777-798
Book Title The Oxford handbook of prehistoric figurines.
Chapter Number 34
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199675616.013.038

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Copyright Statement
This is a draft of a chapter that was accepted for publication by Oxford University Press in the book 'The Oxford Handbook of Prehistoric Figurines' edited by Timothy Insoll and published in 2017.





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